Ruptured Eardrum – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist usually checks for a ruptured or perforated eardrum by looking inside the ear with a lighted tool called an otoscope.
They use this tool to spot any holes or tears in the tympanic membrane. If you have other signs—like hearing loss or fluid coming from the ear—the provider might order more tests.
Below is a table that shows some common tests and what they help diagnose:
| Test Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ear discharge culture | Checks for bacterial infection in the middle ear |
| Tuning fork test | Finds out the type and degree of hearing loss |
| Tympanometry | Measures eardrum movement and detects perforation |
| Audiology exam | Assesses hearing across different pitches and volumes |
A tuning fork helps the provider find out if hearing loss comes from a problem with the moving parts of the middle ear, like the eardrum, or from issues with the inner ear’s nerves.
Tympanometry checks how the eardrum reacts to air pressure changes and helps show if there is a tear. An audiology exam checks for any conductive hearing loss linked to a ruptured eardrum or middle ear infection.
Signs such as pain, ear infections, discharge, or hearing loss often lead to these tests for a correct diagnosis.
Treatment
Surgical Repair Using Graft Tissue
If an eardrum hole does not heal on its own, a doctor may recommend a surgical option called tympanoplasty.
In this procedure, the doctor uses a small piece of your own skin or tissue to patch the gap in the eardrum. The graft helps close the tear and can improve hearing while lowering the chance of more infections.
Features of Tympanoplasty:
- Uses tissue from you, often taken from near the ear.
- Can be done without an overnight hospital stay.
- Aims to fix hearing problems and stop repeat ear infections.
Steps usually followed during surgery:
- You receive anesthesia so you do not feel pain.
- The surgeon prepares the tissue graft.
- The surgeon places the graft over the tear in the eardrum.
- You begin recovery soon after, and most people leave the hospital the same day.
Doctors often try less invasive options, like antibiotic ear drops, before suggesting surgery. Antibiotic drops or oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin treat or prevent infections until the eardrum heals.
If infection is present, topical antibiotics help clear it up quickly. For minor tears, a doctor may use a patch made from paper or special material to cover the hole and help the eardrum grow back together.
This patching process can be repeated if the hole does not close on the first try.
Self-Care
Taking care of a ruptured eardrum is important for healing and comfort.
To avoid infection and reduce symptoms like pain, dizziness, or drainage, keep the ear dry by using a waterproof earplug or a cotton ball with petroleum jelly while bathing.
Avoid cleaning the ear or blowing your nose, as these actions can slow healing or cause more bleeding. For pain or earache, use over-the-counter medication as directed.
Seek medical advice if you develop tinnitus, vertigo, ear drainage, or facial weakness.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
To make the most of your appointment, prepare ahead of time. Write down a list of symptoms, including any discomfort or changes you notice.
Note any recent events that could affect your ears, such as air travel, scuba diving, exposure to loud noises, or injuries to the head.
Prepare questions to ask your provider.
Consider asking:
- What is causing my symptoms?
- How can I keep my ear safe while it heals?
- What follow-up is needed?
- If my hearing does not return or other issues start, what happens next?
Here is a simple table to help you organize:
| Information to Prepare | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Hearing loss, pain, ringing, fluid, changes in ear |
| Recent Events | Travel, swimming, injury, loud noise exposure |
| Medication List | Prescription, over-the-counter, supplements |
| Questions for the Provider | Health concerns, care instructions, prognosis |
How the Doctor May Assess
The doctor may ask several questions to better understand your problem.
Common topics include when your symptoms started, if you had pain or dizziness, or if you had recent ear infections, injuries, or exposure to activities like swimming, diving, or being around loud noises.
Doctors may also ask if you put anything into your ear for cleaning.
These questions help the doctor check for causes such as barotrauma, acoustic trauma, or possible ear injury.
Ways to Protect Your Ear Until the Visit
Keep your ear dry. For bathing or showering, use a waterproof ear plug or place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in the outer ear.
Avoid swimming until your doctor checks your ear. Do not put any drops or medication in your ear unless your provider tells you to.
Keep the area clean and protected to help prevent infection and support healing. Do not blow your nose forcefully, as this can put pressure on the eardrum and slow recovery.
