Ruptured Eardrum (Perforated Eardrum): A sneak peek

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Ruptured Eardrum (Perforated Eardrum)
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Ruptured Eardrum (Perforated Eardrum)

• Ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in the
  skin-like tissue that separates the ear canal and
  middle ear. The eardrum is the part of the ear
  that receives vibrations from sound to allow
  hearing. Ruptured eardrums are most common in
  children.

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Factors responsible for a ruptured eardrum

• Ear infection within the middle ear (acute otitis
  media)
• Injury to the side of the head as a result of a
  sudden and forceful strike to the head
• Sticking objects in the ear that travel too far
  down in the ear canal and can puncture the
  eardrum, such as a cotton swab or bobby pin
• Sudden change in air pressure
• Skull fracture
• Loud noise caused by an explosion

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Symptoms

• A ruptured eardrum is often caused by a middle
  ear infection. With an infection fluid develops
  behind the drum creating pain and discomfort.
  This fluid build-up can create a small rupture of
  the drum allowing fluid to drain from the ear,
  appearing as pus. Bleeding may also occur. The
  ruptured eardrum may also cause temporary hearing
  loss as a result of the hole in the drum and the
  drainage.

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How is a ruptured eardrum diagnosed?

• An ENT specialist may identify holes or tears in
  the eardrum by using various methods 
• Otoscope A lighted instrument used to view the
  ear canal
• Audiology exam A test that measures hearing and
  ear drum mobility
• Fluid sample Fluid may be taken if you
  experience draining from the ear

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Treatments

• Ear drops or oral medication (antibiotics) may
  be prescribed. In most cases, healing of the
  eardrum occurs within two months. Usually,
  hearing loss (if any) lasts a short time. Some
  rare complications of a ruptured
  eardrum include 
• Long-term hearing loss
• Long-term vertigo
• Long-term dizziness
• Infection that can spread in the earIf an
  eardrum does not heal after two months of
  observation, an ENT specialist may perform a
  simple repair called a myringoplasty to help aid
  the healing process. This procedure is used to
  repair small tears in an eardrum and consists of
  a small patch placed in or on the hole. If the
  tear does not heal properly or is taking too long
  to heal, a surgery known as a tympanoplasty may
  be required. Tympanoplasty is a more formal
  procedure that repairs a damaged ear drum.

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Treatments
Continue

• Care during treatment
• It is of the utmost importance that during your
  treatment you do not get any water into the ear
  canal.
• You can use a cotton swab with Vaseline and take
  a bath to ensure this.
• You can also place a warm towel or heating pad
  over the ear to reduce the discomfort and pain.
• Do not clean your ears until your doctor says so.
  This is also very important, as it can cause
  damage during the healing process.
• Avoid blowing your nose, as the pressure thus
  created can affect the eardrum.
• Ask your ENT doctor about which medicines you can
  take to relieve the pain.

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How to prevent a ruptured eardrum?

• First of all, avoid putting any foreign objects
  into your ear - especially avoid pins or pointed
  objects, as they will surely cause harm.
• If you are suffering from a middle ear infection,
  get treatment for it immediately.
• You can protect your ears during a flight by
  using pressure equalizing ear plugs or by chewing
  gum during the ascent or the descent of the
  flight. Also, if you have a cold or congestion,
  avoid flying.
• Protect your ears from loud noises. You can wear
  ear plugs or ear muffs to do so. Reduce the
  volume of the walkman, iPod, or the television.
  Long term use of headphones must be avoided at
  all costs.Proper care is necessary for any kind
  of health disorder. If you experience any of the
  symptoms above, get your condition treated by an
  ENT doctor as soon as possible.

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