{"id":154,"date":"2020-12-07T18:00:09","date_gmt":"2020-12-07T23:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entalabama.fm1.dev\/ear-overview\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2021-05-13T17:34:30","modified_gmt":"2021-05-13T21:34:30","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/ent\/eardrum-perforation\/","title":{"rendered":"Eardrum Perforation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Does an Eardrum Do?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing \u2013 Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.\nProtection \u2013 Acting as a barrier, your eardrum protects your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an Eardrum Perforation?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this tear occurs in the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear. A perforation can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How does a rupture affect eardrum functions?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The eardrum converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain, and protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and other foreign objects. A perforation can disrupt both important functions. When an eardrum is ruptured it can allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media). A rupture or perforation can also create 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.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Eardrum perforations are most often caused by: Infection. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum. Injury. Injury or trauma to the ear and head like a sudden loud noise or skull fracture can cause an eardrum to rupture. Eustachian tube disorders. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental rupture. Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.\"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there may be a complete lack of symptoms or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience: a sudden sharp pain in the ear\na discharge of fluid that may be bloody, clear or pus-like, a buzzing or ringing in the ear, partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear, ear infection, facial weakness or dizziness.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Possible Complications to an Ear Perforation?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"If your perforated eardrum does not self-heal in three to six months and you don\u2019t seek treatment, possible complications include: Hearing Loss due to a perforated eardrum is usually temporary. Size and location of the perforation plays a huge role in the eardrum\u2019s healing process, resulting in the degree of hearing loss you may experience. A perforated eardrum can allow bacteria to enter the ear. If the perforation doesn\u2019t heal, a small number of people are subject to recurrent ear infections. This cyst, composed of skin cells and various debris, is very rare. The cyst is a result from a long-term development in the middle ear after your eardrum has been perforated.\"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required. 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 perforated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a 20 \u2013 30dB conductive hearing loss.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How is an Eardrum Perforation Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Because the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery. While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" An eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.\"\n    }\n    }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does an Eardrum Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The eardrum has two main roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Hearing \u2013 Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In\nturn, structures in your\nmiddle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.<\/li><li>Protection \u2013 Acting as a barrier, your eardrum protects your\nmiddle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Eardrum Perforation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the\neardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this\ntear&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;in&nbsp;the membrane separating your\nouter&nbsp;ear&nbsp;from your inner ear. A perforation&nbsp;can lead to a\nmiddle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will\nheal on its own without medical treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does a Rupture Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/iStock-469122148-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/iStock-469122148-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/iStock-469122148-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/iStock-469122148-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/iStock-469122148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The eardrum helps us hear sound by vibrating when sound waves hit it and it protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and other foreign objects. A perforation can disrupt both important functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When an eardrum is ruptured it can allow bacteria to enter the\near and cause an ear infection (otitis media). A rupture or perforation can\nalso create a hole; just like a drumhead is worse at carrying sound with a hole\nin it, your tympanic membrane is too. This is the reason a rupture can contribute\nto a loss of hearing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforations are most often caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Infection<\/strong>. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that\nmay result in a ruptured eardrum.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Injury.<\/strong> Injury or trauma to the ear and head like a sudden loud\nnoise or skull fracture can cause an eardrum to rupture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eustachian tube disorders. <\/strong>Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental rupture. Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there\nmay&nbsp;be a complete lack of symptoms&nbsp;or only a feeling of general\ndiscomfort. Other times, people will experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A sudden sharp pain in the ear<\/li><li>A discharge of&nbsp;fluid that may be bloody, clear&nbsp;or pus-like<\/li><li>A buzzing or ringing in the ear<\/li><li>Partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear<\/li><li>Ear infection<\/li><li>Facial weakness or dizziness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are There Any Possible Complications?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Temporary Hearing\nLoss <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing Loss due to a perforated eardrum is usually temporary.\nSize and location of the perforation plays a huge role in the eardrum\u2019s healing\nprocess, resulting in the degree of hearing loss you may experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Middle Ear\nInfection (otitis media) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Middle Ear Cyst\n(cholesteatoma)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This cyst, composed of skin cells and various debris, is very\nrare. The cyst is a result from a long-term development in the middle ear after\nyour eardrum has been perforated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are&nbsp;Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A doctor will examine&nbsp;your&nbsp;ears with an otoscope to\nvisually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 perforated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically causes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2918411\/#:~:text=Perforation%20of%20the%20TM%20is,from%20negligible%20to%2050%20dB.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">conductive hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is an&nbsp;Eardrum Perforation Treated?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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<p>While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry,\navoiding water as much as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\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<p>Call ENT Associates of Alabama at <a href=\"tel:+18883685020\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(888) 368-5020<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing \u2013 Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection \u2013 Acting as a barrier, your eardrum protects your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":454,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/154"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2033,"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/154\/revisions\/2033"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}