{"id":197,"date":"2020-08-28T18:21:30","date_gmt":"2020-08-28T22:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centralalabamaent.fm1.dev\/ear-overview\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2021-02-10T18:22:10","modified_gmt":"2021-02-10T23:22:10","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/centralalabamaent.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 a 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 perorated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a 20 \u2013 30-dB 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>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>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>How Does a Rupture Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/centralalabamaent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-469122148-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/centralalabamaent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-469122148-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/centralalabamaent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-469122148-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/centralalabamaent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-469122148-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/centralalabamaent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/iStock-469122148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The eardrum converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are\nsent to the brain, and protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and\nother 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>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\nor Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental a rupture. Chronic Eustachian\ntube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to\nperforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>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>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>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>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>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>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 perorated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/B9780323065610000021\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Pediatric Secrets (Fifth Edition)\n2011, Pages 43-80 | Behavior and Development\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">20 \u2013 30-dB conductive hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>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>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","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. 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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. 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