Ruptured ear drum

The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the inner ear from the outer ear. A ruptured eardrum means that it has a tear or hole in it.

Causes: Ear infection and injury to the side of the head or ear are the most common causes. Other causes include:

• inserting a sharp object into the ear (including a cotton swab on a stick)
• severe inward or outward pressure or suction to the ear, (such as sudden altitude or air pressure changes while flying in an airplane, a swimming or diving accident, or nearby explosion)

Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:

• sudden, sharp ear pain
• bleeding or discharge from the ear that may resemble pus
• partial hearing loss
• ringing in the ear
• dizziness and
• sudden decrease in pain, when an ear infection is present

Medical treatment may include antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Minor pain may be treated with an aspirin substitute like acetaminophen. Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen. A ruptured eardrum will usually repair itself within 2 months, providing it does not become infected. Hearing is not usually affected permanently. Surgery may be needed for large or unhealed small holes.

Some measures that will help speed the healing process include:

• use a shower cap or place cotton in the ear when bathing or showering to keep moisture out of the ear
• protect the ear from cold air
• do not use any ear medicines, unless prescribed by your healthcare provider
• avoid swimming during the healing process
• avoid blowing the nose, or, if absolutely necessary, blow very gently and
• take all medications prescribed by your doctor

Contact your healthcare provider for:

• symptoms of a ruptured eardrum, especially when a pus-like discharge occurs
• fever that develops after taking a prescribed antibiotic for 48 hours or longer
• persistent pain during treatment
• dizziness that lasts longer than the first day after the rupture or
• any new, unexplained symptoms

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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