Perforated/Ruptured Eardrum

Perforated/Ruptured Eardrum refers to a hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane), which can be caused by various factors. This condition is extremely painful and often results in hearing loss and tinnitus. The eardrum will typically heal on its own with proper care, but it can be serious if left untreated.

Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum

  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Muffled hearing
  • Pain in the ear
  • Fluid leaking from your ear canal
  • Tinnitus (sudden ringing or buzzing noise)

These symptoms typically pass once the eardrum has healed.

Causes of a Perforated Eardrum

  • Middle ear infection (Otitis Media)
  • Injury to the side of your head, including direct impact to the ear
  • Loud noises such as explosions, gunshots, or fireworks
  • Sudden change in air pressure, such as during flying

Treatment for a Perforated Eardrum

  • A perforated eardrum often heals without medical intervention.
  • Over-the-counter medication (OTC) may help ease pain—consult your pharmacist for recommendations.
  • Keep the ear dry with a cotton wool ball covered in Vaseline when washing your hair to prevent infections.
  • Avoid swimming or engaging in water sports until your eardrum has healed.
  • Do not blow your nose too forcefully as it can damage the eardrum during the healing process.
  • Antibiotics may be required if an ear infection develops. Seek your doctor's advice.
  • If the perforation does not heal or is too large to heal naturally, a surgical procedure called a myringoplasty may be required.

FAQs

Symptoms include sudden sharp pain in the ear, earache, ringing in the ear, blood or fluid discharge, dizziness, and a high temperature. Consult your healthcare provider for an inspection using an otoscope.

Yes, it's safe to fly with a perforated eardrum, as no pressure difference is created on either side of the eardrum.

No, it is recommended to avoid flying for 6 weeks after surgery to prevent pressure fluctuations that can displace the graft.

Yes, about 90% of perforations will heal naturally. However, if the perforation is large, surgery may be needed. Healing can take several months, and keeping the ear dry is crucial to avoid infection.

A myringoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a perforation by using a tissue graft to cover the hole in the eardrum.

Recovery typically takes between 1-2 weeks, with a follow-up appointment 6 weeks after surgery with your ENT consultant.