{"id":238,"date":"2021-11-08T18:16:02","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T23:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.fm1.dev\/providing-comprehensive-ear-nose-throat-care\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2022-04-12T19:51:09","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T23:51:09","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.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<p>Ear Perforations (hole in the eardrum) is a tear in the thin membrane (tympanic membrane) that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It can be caused by an ear infection, trauma to the ear such as inserting a Q-tip too far into the ear or head trauma. A person with a ruptured eardrum may experience ear pain, drainage from the ear, buzzing in the ear or hearing loss. Drs. Hengy and Mendians will conduct a physical examination of the ear and may order additional&nbsp;testing such as a hearing examination and tympanogram. The eardrum can heal itself over time; however antibiotics may be recommended. In some cases, Drs. Hengy and Mendians may need to surgically patch or repair the eardrum &#8211;&nbsp;Paper Patch repair or&nbsp;Myringoplasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does an Eardrum Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The eardrum has two main roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hearing<\/strong>. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protection<\/strong>. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Eardrum Perforation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ENT-Earwax-Removal-1280x852.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ENT-Earwax-Removal-1280x852.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ENT-Earwax-Removal-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ENT-Earwax-Removal-1536x1022.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ENT-Earwax-Removal.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation is a hole or rupture in the eardrum. This tear&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;in&nbsp;the membrane separating your outer&nbsp;ear&nbsp;from your inner ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation&nbsp;can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though it can heal without medical treatment in some cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does a Perforation Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A rupture or perforation creates a hole in the tympanic membrane. This impairs its ability to vibrate, which can contribute to a loss of hearing and may allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">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 may 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 noise or skull fracture, can cause an eardrum to rupture. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eustachian tube disorders.<\/strong>&nbsp;Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">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 may&nbsp;be a complete lack of symptoms&nbsp;or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"list-col-2\"><li>A sudden sharp pain in the ear<\/li><li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discharge of&nbsp;fluid<\/a> 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 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are&nbsp;Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An ENT specialist will examine&nbsp;your&nbsp;ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required.<\/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 perforated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and may cause&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2918411\/#:~:text=Perforation%20of%20the%20TM%20is,from%20negligible%20to%2050%20dB.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">conductive hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is an&nbsp;Eardrum Perforation Treated?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because most perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the rupture is healing, you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div class=\"content-cta\">\r\n<p>Call Western Michigan ENT at <a href=\"tel:+12313989536\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(231) 398-9536<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ear Perforations (hole in the eardrum) is a tear in the thin membrane (tympanic membrane) that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It can be caused by an ear infection, trauma to the ear such as inserting a Q-tip too far into the ear or head trauma. A person with a ruptured eardrum&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":233,"menu_order":29,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/238"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=238"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/238\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":922,"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/238\/revisions\/922"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westernmichiganent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}