Ruptured Eardrum

• sudden and sharp PAIN from the EAR
• drainage (when the cause is INFECTION)
• TINNITUS (a ringing or roaring sound)
• HEARING LOSS in the affected ear

A tear in the tympanic membrane causes it to lose tension, which affects hearing as the breach affects the eardrum’s ability to vibrate. When infection (OTITIS media) causes the rupture, the pain of the tear is followed by relief of pain because the tear releases the fluid that has accumulated in the middle ear behind the tympanic membrane. Other common causes of ruptured eardrum include

• exposure to a sudden, loud noise
• BAROTRAUMA (damage from rapid and extreme changes in pressure)
• puncture from a foreign object inserted into the ear, such as a cotton swab or hair pin (bobby pin) being used to clean CERUMEN (ear wax) from the auditory canal

The doctor’s otoscopic examination of the ear, which allows visualization of the tympanic membrane, confirms the diagnosis. Most ruptured eardrums heal without intervention in about six weeks, with hearing gradually improving as the tympanic membrane regains integrity and tension. For a large tear, the otolaryngologist may put a small paper patch over the opening to help protect the inner ear while the tear heals or may perform an OPERATION (TYMPANOPLASTY) to repair the damaged eardrum. Earplugs are necessary during bathing or showering to keep water from entering the auditory canal during the time the tear is HEALING. Hearing typically returns when the tear heals. A potentially significant consequence of ruptured eardrum is formation of a CHOLESTEATOMA, a cystlike growth in the inner ear that can permanently damage hearing.