Eardrum Rupture (Perforation)

Your eardrum is a thin membrane between your outer and middle ear. Sound waves entering your ear cause the membrane to vibrate. This helps you hear. An injury or infection can cause your eardrum to tear (rupture). This creates a hole (perforation) that may affect your hearing.

Causes of eardrum perforation

Causes of a ruptured eardrum include:

• Pressure from an ear infection

• Putting an object, such as a cotton swab, bobby pin, or pencil, into the ear

• A very loud noise such as a gunshot or explosion close to the ear

• Rapid changes in air pressure, which can happen during scuba diving or traveling at high altitudes

• A slap or blow to the ear

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

Seek medical care right away if you:

• Have severe pain, bleeding, or ringing in your ear

• Lose your hearing suddenly

• Become very dizzy for no reason

• Have an object lodged in your ear

A ruptured eardrum from an ear infection usually isn't an emergency. In fact, the rupture often relieves pressure and pain. It usually heals within hours or days. But you should have the ear looked at by a healthcare provider within 24 hours.

What to expect in the ER

Your ear will be examined. Treatment will depend on how severe the damage is. Small holes often heal on their own. A small patch may be placed over a minor eardrum tear. Large tears may need to be repaired during an operation. If you are very dizzy or have severe hearing loss, you are likely to stay in the hospital for treatment for one or more days.

Ways to prevent eardrum rupture

Don't clean inside the ear canal with cotton swabs or any other object. Wear hearing protection when working in high noise areas such as factories, underground mines, or shooting ranges.