Everything You Need to Know About Ruptured Eardrum
A ruptured eardrum is also called Eardrum perforation. It’s a hole or tears in the thin tissue that separates your eardrum from the ear canal. A ruptured eardrum can lead to loss of hearing and infection in the middle ear (eardrum).
This problem isn’t severe as ruptured eardrums heal within a few weeks without treatment. However, if you experience pain, pus, or bleeding, you should visit an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat).
Symptoms of Ruptured Ear
Signs and symptoms may include but are not limited to the ones mentioned below.
- Terrible ear pain
- Loss of hearing
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Ringing sound in your ear (tinnitus)
- Mucus or blood drainage from your ear
When Should I See a Doctor For Ear Rupture?
You should immediately see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above. Our inner ear is sensitive to infection and diseases. If you don’t see a doctor, your ear problems can get worse. Your eardrum perforation Pembroke Pines doctor will try to diagnose the symptoms of your disease. Afterward, you’ll be recommended medication for an early recovery.
How is Ruptured Ear Caused?
The eardrum is a sensitive layer of tissue inside the ear that can easily be ruptured. Here are some common reasons why you might have a ruptured eardrum.
Middle Ear Infection
A middle ear infection is often caused due to several reasons, such as sinus build-up or water entering your ear. When the middle ear is infected, it results in the accumulation of fluids in the ear. These fluids put pressure on the eardrum, which could lead to rupture.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma is caused when the environmental air pressure is more than the air pressure in your ear. This results in excessive stress on the eardrum, causing a tear or hole in the thin tissue. Barotrauma is caused due to air travel but in rare cases.
Loud Sound
As we mentioned above, your eardrum is made from a thin layer of tissue. A high-power soundwave from a blast or a gunshot can sometimes cause ear rupture. However, its chances are pretty low.
Foreign Object in Your Ear
Small objects can cause your eardrum to rupture because they invade the inner space of the ear, damaging the thin tissue layer. Common culprits are cotton swabs or hairpins.
Complications Associated With Eardrum Rupture
Your eardrum is a protective layer that prevents foreign objects from entering the inner part of the ear. Plus, it’s also responsible for hearing because soundwaves strike the eardrum causing it to vibrate. This is the first step in which your eardrum translates sounds into nerve impulses.
If the eardrum is ruptured, uncommon problems such as the ones mentioned below might occur.
Hearing Loss
Usually, hearing loss is temporary until your eardrum recovers. However, the size and the location of the rupture determine how long your hearing capabilities will be inactive.
Middle Ear Infection
A ruptured eardrum is an open invitation for bacteria and other viruses to make in your ear. If the inner membrane doesn’t heal quickly, you can develop chronic ear diseases. Moreover, it can lead to hearing loss as well. If your eardrum hasn’t healed or the pain and symptoms haven’t reduced, you should see a doctor.
Middle Ear Cyst
Although it’s rare, a cyst composed of skin cells can develop in your middle ear, causing pain and hearing problems. The cyst develops as a result of long-term negligence of eardrum problems.
If your eardrum is ruptured, cysts and other foreign debris can make their way inside your ear to cause severe pain and chronic ear diseases.
Preventing Eardrum Rupture
Preventing ear rupture is as easy as seeing the doctor when you first develop symptoms. Here are all the ways you can minimize this issue.
Find Treatment for Middle Ear Infection
Be wary of middle ear infection symptoms. Go to a doctor when you have an earache, vertigo, or nasal congestion. Children with middle ear infections tend to get fussy, and their appetite reduces. If you notice these symptoms, take them to an ENT specialist.
Safeguard Your Ears When Flying
It’s not healthy to fly when you have nasal congestion or flu symptoms because the air pressure in your ear is imbalanced when the plane takes off. Try to keep your ears clean during landing or take-offs by yawning, chewing gum, or wearing ear pressure stabilizing earplugs.
Ending Note
Eardrum rupture isn’t too big of a problem if you seek medical treatment immediately. Going to a doctor when you have symptoms of eardrum rupture prevents further complications. Mostly, eardrum rupture heals within weeks without medication. However, some people require medicines to ease the pain or accelerate the healing process.
At Southeastern ENT, we have an expert team of ENT doctors that’ll diagnose your problem and provide quick relief from eardrum rupture. You can book an appointment by calling us at 954-437-5333 or visiting our website for more information.