A ruptured eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane perforation, is a hole or tear in the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin layer of tissue located between the ear canal and the middle ear. It helps transmit sound waves into the middle ear.
When the eardrum is torn, sound transmission may be affected, leading to hearing loss. A ruptured eardrum may also make the middle ear more vulnerable to water, bacteria or other infection-causing substances, increasing the risk of middle ear infection.
Some ruptured eardrums may heal on their own within a few weeks. However, if the perforation does not heal, infections keep recurring, or hearing is significantly affected, further treatment such as patching or surgical repair may be considered.
Patients with a ruptured eardrum may experience ear pain, which may sometimes improve or disappear suddenly. There may also be mucus-like, pus-filled or bloody discharge from the ear.
Other symptoms may include hearing loss, ringing in the ear, also known as tinnitus, and dizziness or a spinning sensation, also known as vertigo. If vertigo is significant, nausea or vomiting may also occur.
Some patients may notice ear discharge or reduced hearing after an episode of ear pain. These symptoms may be related to a ruptured eardrum or middle ear infection.
If ear pain is followed by pus-like discharge, bloody fluid, hearing loss, tinnitus or vertigo, patients should consult an ENT specialist to check whether there is a ruptured eardrum or middle ear infection.
When a ruptured eardrum is suspected, avoid getting water into the ear, such as during swimming or ear rinsing, as this may increase the risk of infection. Patients should also avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects deep into the ear canal, as this may further irritate or injure the eardrum.
Although some ruptured eardrums may heal naturally, medical assessment is recommended if symptoms persist, ear discharge recurs, hearing does not improve, or there is significant dizziness, fever or worsening ear pain.
