What is a Perforated Eardrum?
A perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates your ear canal from your middle ear.
Common Causes
- Ear infections with fluid buildup
- Sudden pressure changes (barotrauma)
- Loud sounds or explosions
- Physical injury from objects inserted into the ear
- Head trauma
Signs and Symptoms
Primary Symptoms
- Sudden ear pain that may quickly subside
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Clear or bloody drainage from the ear
Warning Signs
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Severe pain
- Facial weakness
- Persistent dizziness
Diagnosis
- Physical examination using an otoscope
- Hearing tests (audiometry)
- Tympanometry to measure eardrum movement
Treatment Options
Conservative Management
- Watchful waiting (many perforations heal naturally)
- Keeping the ear dry
- Antibiotic ear drops if infection present
Medical Interventions
- Eardrum patching (tympanoplasty)
- Surgical repair for large or persistent perforations
Prevention
- Avoid inserting objects into ears
- Protect ears during pressure changes
- Treat ear infections promptly
- Use ear protection in loud environments
Recovery
- Most small perforations heal within 6-8 weeks
- Complete healing may take several months
- Follow-up hearing tests may be necessary
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe pain or bleeding
- Facial paralysis
- High fever
- Persistent dizziness
- Clear fluid draining from ear