Ruptured eardrum

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An eardrum is a thin tympanic membrane that is located between the outer and the middle ear. The eardrum vibrates when sound waves enters the ear canal. Nerve cells that lie in the middle ear and inner ear will transmit these sound waves to be interpreted by the brain. An eardrum will rupture when there is a perforation or a hole in tympanic membrane.

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An eardrum that is ruptured is similar to a clap of thunder that happens suddenly. There is sharp pain that can be felt in the ear or an earache that suddenly disappears.

A ruptured eardrum which is also called perforated eardrum or perforation of the tympanic membrane can lead to the development of complications such as middle ear infections as well as the possibility of loss of hearing.

Causes of a ruptured eardrum

• An infection on the ear can cause rupture of the eardrum
• Trauma to the eardrum
• Changes in the air pressure such as flying in an airplane and diving deep in the sea can cause trauma to the eardrum. This is due to the drastic difference between the atmospheric pressure outside and pressure inside the ear.
• Exposure to loud music or noise such as fireworks or gunshots can cause perforation on the eardrum.
• Perforations of the eardrums can occur when sticking foreign objects in the ear such as pins used in removing earwax. This procedure can cause a hole in the eardrum.

Eardrum rupture symptoms

• Discharge of blood from the ear but some have watery discharge.
• Ringing or buzzing in the ear.
• Mild loss of hearing while total loss of hearing in the affected ear can occur in some cases
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and vertigo

Treatment and home remedies of a ruptured eardrum

• Take the prescribed analgesic and antibiotics in order to help relieve the pain and prevent infections that might develop inside the ear.
• Place a warm towel on the ear since this helps in relieving discomfort and pain.
• Keep the eardrum dry during the process of healing.
• Place a cotton ball in the ear canal when taking a bath or shampooing. Avoid swimming at least for a few weeks or even months in order to prevent water from going inside the ear.
• Avoid blowing the nose since it adds pressure while blowing and can make worsen the ruptured eardrum.
• If there is a tear in the eardrum does not heal on its own, it is best to seek medical help immediately.

Preventive measures

• Manage middle ear infections symptoms such as fever, earache, nasal congestion and mild loss of hearing.
• Avoid travelling by plane when suffering from common cold or an allergy that causes ear and nasal congestion.
• Avoid digging excess or hardened earwax using cotton swab, hairpins and paper clip. Take note that these items can cause tearing or even puncture the eardrum.