Ruptured Eardrum Information

14Jul09 Ruptured Eardrum Information

A ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in your eardrum, which can result in temporary hearing loss (usually) and make your middle ear more vulnerable to infections or other ear injuries. The eardrum is the thin, drum-like tissue that separates your ear canal from the middle ear.

A ruptured eardrum often heals within a few weeks without any special treatment required. Sometimes, however, patients may need a minor procedure to promote healing of a ruptured eardrum, and in the most serious cases may require surgery to repair the ruptured eardrum.

What causes an eardrum to rupture? A common cause — especially during summer months when individuals may be on vacation — is called barotraumas. Barotrauma refers to stress exerted on the eardrum when air pressure in the middle ear and in the environment are out of balance. If the pressure is severe and is unable to be equalized, the eardrum can rupture. It’s frequently caused by air pressure changes associated with air travel. That’s why chewing gum and purposely clearing out your ears through such techniques as holding your nose closed with your fingers and then blowing out air can help to equalize the pressure.

Sports such as scuba diving or ones that can lead to a direct blow to the ear can also lead to a ruptured ear. An automobile accident that results in an air bag becoming activated is another cause for a ruptured ear drum.

Symptoms may include:

Sharp, stabbing ear pain
Clear, pus-filled or bloody drainage from your ear
A sensation of ìstuffinessî or having clogged hearing
Ringing in your ear
Hearing loss
Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
Vertigo (spnning or dizzy sensation)

If you suspect you have a ruptured eardrum or have pain in your ears, schedule an appointment with your doctor without delay for a complete evaluation. You want to do all you can to protect your overall hearing health.