The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin connective tissue between the outer ear and middle ear. Its purpose is to detect sound waves and transmit them to the small bones in the middle ear. A damaged or ruptured eardrum can cause hearing loss and other complications. If you suspect you may have damaged your eardrum, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of an injured eardrum, what causes eardrum damage, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and tips for prevention.
What are the signs and symptoms of an injured eardrum?
Some common signs and symptoms that may indicate an injured eardrum include:
- Sudden sharp pain in the ear
- Hearing loss or decreased hearing in the affected ear
- Ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring sounds in the ear (tinnitus)
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Blood or pus coming from the ear
- Sensation that the ear is blocked or full
- Nausea or vomiting due to vertigo
- Ear infections that persist despite treatment
- Visible hole in the eardrum or change in its appearance
The severity of symptoms often depends on the size and location of the eardrum rupture. Larger tears typically cause greater hearing loss. It’s possible to have a ruptured eardrum with only mild symptoms or even none at all. But any symptoms of eardrum injury should be evaluated by a doctor.
What causes damage to the eardrum?
There are several potential causes of eardrum perforation or rupture:
Pressure changes – Flying in an airplane, scuba diving, sudden explosive decompression can create pressure strong enough to tear the eardrum.
Foreign objects – Inserting cotton swabs, hair pins, or other objects into the ear canal can puncture the eardrum.
Loud noises – Exposure to very loud sounds like explosions, gunshots, fireworks, music concerts can rupture the eardrum.
Middle ear infections – Chronic infections that go untreated can weaken and perforate the eardrum.
Trauma – A blow or slap to the ear or severe head injury can tear the eardrum. This is a common cause in children.
Surgery complications – Eardrum perforations can sometimes occur after ear tube placement or other inner ear surgeries.
Diseases – Inflammatory diseases like sinusitis or autoimmune disorders can damage the small bones in the middle ear and rupture the eardrum.
Being aware of the various causes can help prevent eardrum injury when possible or seek prompt treatment when it does occur.
How is an injured eardrum diagnosed?
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a possible eardrum rupture, it’s important to see a doctor, preferably an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). Here are some methods they may use to diagnose an injured eardrum:
Physical exam – Using an otoscope (a device with a light and magnifying lens), the doctor visually inspects the eardrum for holes, bulging, fluid behind the eardrum, bleeding or other abnormalities.
Hearing test – An audiogram evaluates your hearing sensitivity to detect any loss that could indicate eardrum damage.
Tympanometry – This test measures how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. Abnormal function often signifies a tear.
Reflectometry – A small probe sends sound waves to the eardrum and detects how they reflect back. This can identify perforations.
Lab tests – If an infection caused the rupture, the doctor may take a sample of fluid from the ear to identify bacteria or fungus.
Imaging – CT or MRI scans are sometimes used to get a precise view of the eardrum and middle ear.
These diagnostic tools help the doctor determine the presence, location and extent of any eardrum injury and recommend appropriate treatment.
How are eardrum injuries treated?
The treatment for an injured eardrum depends on the cause and severity:
Observation – Small ruptures from trauma or pressure often heal on their own within a few weeks. The doctor will monitor with follow-up exams. Avoiding water in the ear speeds recovery.
Eardrops – Antibiotic, antifungal, or steroid drops are prescribed for infection, inflammation and pain relief. Keeping the ear dry is important.
Surgery – If the hole is large or persistent, surgical repair may be needed. This is done under local or general anesthesia. Recovery takes a few weeks.
Paper patch – A special paper-like material is placed against the eardrum to support healing for 3-6 months.
Ear tubes – If there is fluid build-up behind the eardrum, tubes can be inserted to drain it and equalize pressure.
Hearing aid – This amplifies sound on the affected side to correct hearing loss from the rupture. Often temporary until it heals.
With proper treatment, most eardrum perforations can heal fully and hearing can be preserved. But it’s crucial to see a doctor right away when you suspect an injury.
Are there ways to prevent eardrum damage?
Here are some tips to help prevent painful eardrum rupture and preserve your hearing:
- Use earplugs around loud noises like concerts, machinery, or when flying.
- Keep ears dry. Use earplugs when swimming or bathing.
- Don’t insert objects into ear canals like cotton swabs or hair pins.
- Promptly treat ear infections with medication.
- Open your eustachian tubes when flying by swallowing, yawning, chewing gum.
- Descend slowly if scuba diving to equalize pressure.
- Wear protective headgear for contact sports.
- Don’t smoke. Second-hand smoke increases infection risk.
Being mindful of eardrum health and avoiding unnecessary pressure, trauma or irritation can prevent many injuries. Seek immediate care if you experience any sudden ear pain, discharge or hearing changes. Early diagnosis and management leads to the best outcomes.
Should I see a doctor?
Yes, if you have any symptoms or think you may have injured your eardrum, it is highly recommended to see a doctor right away. An ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) can properly evaluate your eardrum and determine if there is damage using specialized diagnostic tools. Prompt treatment will provide the greatest chance of preserving your hearing and preventing complications like infections. Even if you have mild or no symptoms, it’s better to be safe and get examined. Don’t take chances with your eardrums!
Conclusion
The eardrum is a delicate structure that can be perforated or ruptured by pressure changes, trauma, loud noise exposure, infections and more. Signs of damage include ear pain, hearing loss, ringing, and discharge. An ENT doctor can diagnose an injured eardrum using a physical exam, hearing tests, imaging and other methods. Depending on the severity, treatments range from observation and eardrops to surgery. With proper care, most eardrum ruptures can heal successfully. Preventive tips include using ear protection around loud noise, keeping ears dry when swimming, promptly treating infections, and avoiding insertion of foreign objects. Seek medical attention right away at the first signs of eardrum injury to achieve the best outcome.
Cause | Prevention Tips |
---|---|
Pressure changes | Yawn, swallow, use earplugs when flying. Descend slowly when scuba diving. |
Foreign objects | Never insert cotton swabs, bobby pins, etc into ears. |
Loud noises | Wear earplugs around noise over 85 decibels. |
Infections | Treat infections promptly with medication. |
Trauma | Wear protective headgear for sports. Avoid blows to the ears. |
Symptom | Possible Cause |
---|---|
Hearing loss | Ruptured eardrum, middle ear infection, earwax buildup |
Ear pain | Eardrum rupture, outer ear infection, impacted earwax |
Ringing (tinnitus) | Hearing damage, Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma |
Dizziness | Middle/inner ear infection, Meniere’s disease, vertigo |
Ear fullness/pressure | Eustachian tube dysfunction, barotrauma, allergy swelling |
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Sudden ear pain
- Hearing loss in one or both ears
- Drainage or bleeding from the ear
- Dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears
- Ear pressure, fullness or popping
- Signs of ear infection
- Possible eardrum trauma from loud noise, pressure change, head injury
An ENT specialist can fully evaluate your symptoms, diagnose any eardrum injury, and initiate the appropriate treatment right away.