Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation)?
- How common is the eardrum rupture?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes a ruptured eardrum?
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Barotrauma
- Loud or explosive noise (acoustic trauma)
- Foreign body in ear
- Severe head injury
- What increases my risk for a ruptured eardrum?
- Treatment
- How is tympanic membrane perforation diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for a ruptured eardrum?
- Eardrum patching
- Operation
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a ruptured eardrum?
Definition
What is a ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation)?
A ruptured eardrum or tympanic membrane perforation is a tear in the thin membrane that separates your outer ear and inner ear. This membrane, called the tympanic membrane or eardrum, is made of tissue that resembles skin.
The eardrum has two important functions. First, the eardrum senses the vibrations of sound waves and converts them into nerve impulses that convey sound to your brain. Second, keep the middle ear from bacteria, water, and foreign objects.
Normally, the middle ear is the sterile part. However, when the tympanic membrane perforates, bacteria can enter the area and cause an infection called otitis media.
A ruptured eardrum is usually not a dangerous condition. This disorder can even heal by itself within a certain period of time.
How common is the eardrum rupture?
A ruptured eardrum can occur in patients of any age. Menstrual disorders can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum?
Some of the common signs and symptoms of tympanic membrane perforation include:
- Earache that subsides quickly
- Clear, purulent, or bloody discharge from your ear
- Hearing loss
- Sounds in the ear (tinnitus)
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Nausea or vomiting that can be caused by vertigo
When should I see a doctor?
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from getting worse and prevent other medical emergencies, so talk to your doctor right away to prevent serious conditions.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes a ruptured eardrum?
It has been shown that there are many causes of tympanic membrane perforation. Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the causes below are considered the most common:
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Middle ear infections are usually caused by fluid accumulation in your middle ear. The pressure from the fluid can cause the eardrum to tear.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma is pressure on your eardrum when the pressure in your middle ear and the pressure in the surrounding environment are out of balance. If the pressure is too heavy, your eardrum can tear. Barotrauma usually occurs due to changes in air pressure during flight.
Other events that can cause sudden changes in pressure — and possibly perforation of the tympanic membrane — include scuba diving and direct attacks into the ear, such as the impact of a car air bag.
Loud or explosive noise (acoustic trauma)
Loud or explosive noises, such as those from explosions or gunfire — basically very strong sound waves — can cause a tear in your eardrum.
Foreign body in ear
Small objects, such as cotton wool or hair pins, can puncture or tear the eardrum.
Severe head injury
Severe injuries, such as a skull fracture, can cause dislocation or damage to the structures of the middle and inner ear, including your eardrum.
What increases my risk for a ruptured eardrum?
Children have the highest risk factors for ruptured eardrums. Sometimes, children can pierce their eardrums by inserting objects such as sticks or small toys in their ears.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is tympanic membrane perforation diagnosed?
If you experience signs or symptoms of a ruptured eardrum, your doctor will perform an otoscopic examination. An otoscope is a device with a light that allows you to see inside the ear.
In most cases, if there is a hole or tear in the eardrum, the doctor can see it right away.
Sometimes, a lot of earwax or fluid can prevent the doctor from seeing clearly. If this is the case, the doctor will first clean the ear canal or give ear drops.
The doctor can also use a rubber lamp tied to the otoscope to blow air into the ear. If the eardrum is not torn, it will move when exposed to air. If there is a tear, the eardrum will not move.
In addition, the doctor can also check your hearing to determine how much effect the tear will have on your hearing; This test can be done using a tuning fork.
The doctor may also order an audiology test, which uses a series of tones to be heard through headphones to determine your hearing level.
Most cases of hearing loss caused by perforation of the tympanic membrane are transient. Hearing will usually return to normal after the eardrum has healed.
What are the treatment options for a ruptured eardrum?
Tympanic membrane perforations do not always need treatment because they usually heal on their own within a few weeks or months if your ears are always dry and there is no infection.
If you feel pain or discomfort, you can take common pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is recommended not to give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
Putting warm flannel on the ear can also help reduce pain. Furthermore, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics if your tympanic membrane perforation is caused by infection or is at risk of causing infection while it is healing.
However, if self-medication doesn't work, your doctor may perform a procedure to close the tear or hole. This may include:
Eardrum patching
If the tear or hole in the eardrum does not close on its own, the doctor may close it with a patch of paper (or some other material).
With this procedure, the doctor can apply a chemical to the ear, which can help heal the eardrum. The doctor will then place a patch over the hole. This procedure may need to be repeated more than once before the opening is closed.
Operation
If the patch doesn't heal properly, your doctor may perform surgery. The most common surgical procedure is called a tympanoplasty.
The surgeon will transplant your own patch of tissue to close the hole in the eardrum. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
After performing this surgery, you are usually allowed to go home within the same day, unless medical anesthetic conditions require a longer hospital stay.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a ruptured eardrum?
You can reduce the risk of developing an infection from tympanic membrane perforation by keeping your ears dry until they heal completely. Don't swim, and always cover your ears when showering.
Protect your ears from damage by wearing earmuffs at work or when playing when there is loud noise.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
