{"id":162,"date":"2019-09-25T17:25:33","date_gmt":"2019-09-25T21:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlestonent.fm1.dev\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2022-02-01T18:01:01","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T23:01:01","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/","title":{"rendered":"Eardrum Perforation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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, allowing bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media)<\/a> or contribute to a loss of hearing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

Eardrum perforations are most often caused by infection, injury or Eustachian tube disorders. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Injury or trauma to the ear or head can cause a perforation, as can a skull fracture or sudden loud noise, such as an explosion.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inserting objects like bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can inadvertently cause a rupture as well. And chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.  <\/p>\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Eardrum Perforation?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

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 either a sudden sharp pain in the ear; a discharge of fluid<\/a> 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n

How Are\u00a0Eardrum Perforations Treated?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n

Call Palmetto ENT & Allergy<\/span> at (803) 256-7076<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.   The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":156,"menu_order":12,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=none] | Eardrum perforations can lead to other conditions. Learn about the symptoms, and schedule a visit if you suspect a perforation.","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"