Ruptured Eardrum

When sound waves enter the ear, the eardrum - also called the tympanic membrane - vibrates and transmits these vibrations through three tiny bones called the ossicles (the malleus, incus and stapes) in the middle ear. (Read about "The Ear and Hearing")

If the eardrum is damaged, there can be pain and hearing loss. The eardrum can be damaged or ruptured by:

• trauma
• changes in pressure, as happens when diving or traveling by airplane
• presence of a foreign object
• loud noise (Read about "Noise and Hearing")
• infection (Read about "Microorganisms")

Infections can cause a ruptured eardrum. Infections can also be the result of a ruptured eardrum. That's because your eardrum acts as a barrier to keep bacteria from entering your middle ear. With a ruptured eardrum, bacteria can more easily get to your middle ear and cause infection. (Read about "Otitis Media")

Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum can include pain, hearing loss, ear drainage, tinnitus and earache. (Read about "Hearing Loss" "Tinnitus" "Earache") A ruptured eardrum can heal on its own. Sometimes antibiotics (Read about "Antibiotics") may be needed to prevent or control infection. If the eardrum does not heal on its own, surgery to repair the eardrum may be needed. If you suspect a ruptured eardrum, do not put any kind of eardrops into the ear, and avoid getting water in the ear. One of the best ways to prevent a ruptured eardrum is to avoid putting foreign objects, even a cotton swab, in the ear.