A perforated eardrum is basically a tear in the eardrum that can affect hearing. The severity of hearing loss tends to vary greatly. The small-sized perforations can only cause minimal hearing loss. As for larger tears, it can drastically affect hearing. In case the tiny bones are damaged, hearing loss is extensive.
What are the possible causes?
- Middle ear infections can damage the eardrum. It is usually accompanied by drainage from the ear.
- Direct injury or blow to the ear
A perforated eardrum typically heals on its own within 6-8 weeks. - Exposure to sudden loud noises such as an explosion. The shock waves and abrupt sound waves can cause a perforated eardrum. This is the most severe type of tear that can lead to significant hearing loss and even ringing in the ears.
- Barotrauma occurs if there is abrupt change in the air pressure and evident difference in the pressure of air outside the ear and the middle ear. The ear pain or discomfort brought about by a taut eardrum is likely during altitude changes while flying.
- Poking objects into the ear that results to a damaged eardrum.
- Grommets are tiny tubes that are inserted via the eardrum. These are utilized to manage glue ear since they allow trapped mucus in the middle ear to seep from the ear.
Management of a perforated eardrum
A perforated eardrum typically heals on its own within 6-8 weeks. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed if there is a risk for infection in the middle ear as the eardrum is healing.
It is vital to prevent water from entering the ear as it is healing. The doctor might recommend placing cotton or any similar material into the outer ear while showering or washing the hair. Swimming must be avoided until the eardrum has fully healed.
A minor surgery is an option to manage a perforated eardrum that does not settle on its own. There are several techniques that can be used to fix the eardrum, depending on the severity of the damage.