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A perforated (burst) eardrum is a hole or tear in your eardrum. It usually gets better on its own within 2 months, but you may need treatment such as antibiotics. Check if you have a perforated eardrum. Symptoms of a perforated eardrum usually start suddenly after an: ear infection; injury (such as getting hit on your ear) loud noise
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Signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:
•Ear pain that may subside quickly
•Mucuslike, pus-filled or bloody drainage from the ear
•Hearing loss
•Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
•Spinning sensation (vertigo)
Call your health care provider if you have signs or symptoms of a ruptured eardrum. The middle and inner ears are made up of delicate structures that are sensitive to injury or disease. It is important to try to figure out the cause of ear symptoms and determine whether a ruptured eardrum has occurred.
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Causes of a ruptured (perforated) eardrum may include:
•Middle ear infection (otitis media). A middle ear infection often results in the accumulation of fluids in the middle ear. Pressure from these fluids can cause the eardrum to rupture.
•Barotrauma. Barotrauma is stress exerted on the eardrum when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the environment are out of balance. If the pressure is severe, the eardrum can rupture. Barotrauma is most often caused by air pressure changes associated with air travel.
Other events that can cause sudden changes in pressure — and possibly a ruptured eardrum — include scuba diving and a direct blow to the ear, such as the impact of an automobile air bag.
•Loud sounds or blasts (acoustic trauma). A loud sound or blast, as from an explosion or gunshot — essentially an overpowering sound wave — can rarely cause a tear in the eardrum.
•Foreign objects in your ear. Small objects, such as a cotton swab or hairpin, can puncture or tear the eardrum.
The eardrum (tympanic membrane) has two primary roles:
•Hearing. When sound waves strike it, the eardrum vibrates — the first step by which structures of the middle and inner ears translate sound waves into nerve impulses.
•Protection. The eardrum also acts as a barrier, protecting the middle ear from water, bacteria and other foreign substances.
If the eardrum ruptures, uncommon problems can occur, especially if it fails to self-heal after three to six months. Possible complications include:
•Hearing loss. Usually, hearing loss is temporary, lasting only until the tear or hole in the eardrum has healed. The size and location of the tear can affect the degree of hearing loss.
•Middle ear infection (otitis media). A ruptured (perforated) eardrum can allow bacteria to enter the ear. If a perforated eardrum doesn't heal, a small number of people may be vulnerable to ongoing (recurrent or chronic) infections. In this small group, chronic drainage and hearing loss can occur.
Follow these tips to avoid a ruptured (perforated) eardrum:
•Get treatment for middle ear infections. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of middle ear infection, including earache, fever, nasal congestion and reduced hearing. Children with middle ear infections often are fussy and may refuse to eat. Seek prompt evaluation from your provider to prevent potential damage to the eardrum.
•Protect your ears during flight. If possible, don't fly if you have a cold or an active allergy that causes nasal or ear congestion. During takeoffs and landings, keep ears clear with pressure-equalizing earplugs, yawning or chewing gum.
Or use the Valsalva maneuver — gently pushing air into the nose, as if blowing your nose, while pinching the nostrils and keeping the mouth closed. Don't sleep during ascents and descents.
•Keep your ears free of foreign objects. Never attempt to dig out excess or hardened earwax with items such as a cotton swab, paper clip or hairpin. These items can easily tear or puncture the eardrum. Teach your children about the damage that can be done by putting foreign objects in their ears.
•Guard against explosive noise. Avoid activities that expose the ears to explosions. If your hobbies or work involves planned activities that produce explosive noise, protect your ears from unnecessary damage by wearing protective earplugs or earmuffs.
A hole in front of the upper ear, or a preauricular pit, is a relatively common birth abnormality. On rare occasions, it can indicate the presence of a syndrome.
Aug 28, 2018 · A preauricular pit is a small hole in front of the ear, toward the face, that some people are born with. They’re usually harmless, however, sometimes they become infected and require...
- Jacquelyn Cafasso
Mar 21, 2023 · Preauricular pit is when you have a small hole just in front of your ear. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition today.
Dec 28, 2023 · A preauricular pit is a tiny hole in front of the ear. Also called a preauricular sinus or fistula, it may appear more like a dimple or a piercing in an odd place. A preauricular pit occurs as a result of fusion problems during the sixth week of gestation when the ear is developing.
Aug 5, 2024 · A perforated eardrum is a tear or hole in the eardrum. It can affect hearing. The extent of hearing loss can vary greatly. For example, small holes may only cause minimal loss of hearing. Larger holes may affect hearing more severely.
