What is an Eardrum Perforation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. \u00a0Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this tear\u00a0occurs\u00a0in\u00a0the membrane separating your outer\u00a0ear\u00a0from your middle ear. A perforation\u00a0can lead to a middle ear infection<\/a> and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The eardrum conducts sound waves into the cochlea, which in turn converts the sound wave into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. The eardrum also protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and other foreign objects.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n When an eardrum is ruptured it can allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media). A rupture or perforation by definition is a hole; just like a drumhead is worse at carrying sound with a hole in it, your tympanic membrane is too. This is the reason a rupture can contribute to a loss of hearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eardrum perforations are most often caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Infection<\/strong>. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that\nmay result in a ruptured eardrum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Injury.<\/strong> Injury or trauma to the ear and head like a sudden loud noise or skull fracture can cause an eardrum to rupture. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax<\/a> can cause an accidental rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eustachian tube disorders.<\/strong> Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there\nmay be a complete lack of symptoms or only a feeling of general\ndiscomfort. Other times, people will experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your perforated eardrum does not self-heal in three to six\nmonths and you don\u2019t seek treatment, possible complications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hearing Loss due to a perforated eardrum is usually temporary. Size and location of the perforation play a huge role in the eardrum\u2019s healing process, resulting in the degree of hearing loss you may experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A perforated eardrum can allow\nbacteria to enter the ear. If the perforation doesn\u2019t heal, a small number of\npeople are subject to recurrent ear infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This cyst, composed of skin cells and various debris, is very rare. The cyst is a result of a long-term development in the middle ear after your eardrum has been perforated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A doctor will examine\u00a0your\u00a0ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test<\/a> may be required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your physician can\u2019t see the rupture but suspects you have one they may use a process called tympanometry to create pressure variations in your middle ear. A perorated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a 20 \u2013 30-dB conductive hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in\na few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or\ntreat infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help.\nLarge perforations may require surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry,\navoiding water as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\nAn eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If\ncomplications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Does a Rupture Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Can Cause Eardrum Perforations? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are There Any Possible Complications? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Temporary Hearing\nLoss <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Middle Ear\nInfection (otitis media) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Middle Ear Cyst (cholesteatoma<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Are Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How is an Eardrum Perforation Treated? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n