{"id":466,"date":"2018-11-21T10:11:13","date_gmt":"2018-11-21T18:11:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~oregonen\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2018-12-21T10:10:30","modified_gmt":"2018-12-21T18:10:30","slug":"perforated-eardrums","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oregonent.com\/ent-services\/ear\/perforated-eardrums\/","title":{"rendered":"Perforated Eardrums"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or\nrupture in the eardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this\ntear occurs in the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear. A\nperforation can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss,\nthough in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The eardrum converts sound waves into nerve\nimpulses that are sent to the brain, and protects the middle ear from bacteria,\nmoisture and other foreign objects. A perforation can disrupt both important\nfunctions, allowing bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection\n(otitis media) or contribute to a loss of hearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eardrum perforations are most often caused by\ninfection, injury or Eustachian tube disorders. Middle ear infections cause a\nbuildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Injury or trauma to the ear or head can cause a\nperforation, as can a skull fracture or sudden loud noise, such as an explosion.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inserting objects like bobby pins or Q-tips in\nthe ear to clean wax can inadvertently cause a rupture as well. And chronic\nEustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to\nperforation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people are completely unaware of a\nruptured eardrum; there may be a complete lack of symptoms or only a feeling of\ngeneral discomfort. Other times, people will experience either a sudden sharp\npain in the ear; a discharge of fluid that may be bloody, clear or pus-like; a\nbuzzing or ringing in the ear; partial or complete hearing loss in the affected\near; ear infection; facial weakness or dizziness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A doctor will examine your ears with an\notoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. Because the\nmajority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment\nmay be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.\nNonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large\nperforations may require surgery. While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to\nkeep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n