A ruptured, or perforated, eardrum is a tear in the thin membrane that separates the inner ear from the middle ear. The eardrum is an important part of how people hear, as it is instrumental in the process of converting a sound wave that enters the ear into an electrical signal that gets sent to the brain. The eardrum also works as a barrier to keep water and other objects from entering the middle ear.
Ear infections are the most common cause of a ruptured eardrum. An infection in the middle ear creates pressure; this pressure pushes against the eardrum. If the pressure gets too great, the eardrum can tear. Pressure changes, such as what occurs when a plane changes altitude quickly, can also cause a tear. Foreign objects inserted into the ear, head injury or acoustic trauma resulting from an extremely loud noise have been known to cause tears to the eardrum as well.
The symptoms experienced by those with a ruptured eardrum can vary. The most common symptoms are a sudden sharp pain, drainage from the ear, buzzing or hearing loss. Some may not feel anything at all.
At the first sign any of these symptoms, contact a doctor as soon as possible. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will use an otoscope, a device with a light on the end, to look inside the ear. Usually, the hole or tear is visible. In order to test if the ruptured eardrum has affected hearing, the doctor will also perform some hearing tests.
The treatment for a tear in the eardrum is minimal; usually the eardrum will heal on its own within three months. To prevent ear infections, the patient may be prescribed antibiotic drops. To prevent pain, over-the-counter pain medication can be taken. If the eardrum is slow to heal or the perforation is too large, surgery may be needed. The doctor will use a piece of the patient’s own tissue to mend the tear in a simple, outpatient procedure.
Call Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy at (928) 778-9190 for more information or to schedule an appointment.