It is a known fact that children are prone to a ruptured eardrum for various reasons. Some can suffer from regular ear infections while others could not resist poking objects into the ear canal. Most cases of ruptured eardrums can heal at a fast rate on their own but it is still important that you are well aware of the symptoms and seek treatment right away if this condition is suspected. Always remember that a broken eardrum entails medical care. Understandably, if you know what to look out for, it can help you decide when it is time to seek medical care.
What are the causes?
The eardrum functions as a thin barrier between the ear canal and the middle ear. It vibrates as a response to sound and transmits the sound signals from the air to the small bones situated inside the middle ear. Always bear in mind that an ear infection can lead to the buildup of fluid at the rear part of the eardrum, resulting to an increase in the pressure on the thin membrane. Once the fluid stretches the eardrum too far, it will eventually rupture. Any form of trauma that is caused by the insertion of small objects into the ear canal can also cause a ruptured eardrum. Other possible causes include blunt trauma to the outer part of the ear or an abrupt change in the air pressure such as during an explosion, scuba diving or quick descent while riding an airplane.
Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum
Take note that spontaneous rupture of the eardrum during an infection is considered rare among infants and young children. In case the individual experiences a ruptured eardrum during an ear infection, there is a decrease in the level of pain due to the relieved pressure inside the ear. There is discharge of pus from the ear that can be tinged with blood. A certain degree of hearing loss can occur if an individual suffers from a ruptured eardrum with loss of perception when it comes to low-pitched sounds.
In severe cases, it can lead to severe loss of hearing. If the eardrum is damaged due to trauma, it can be accompanied by sharp pain that subsides. Additionally, a ringing sensation in the ears or tinnitus can also occur. If you want to learn how to manage a ruptured eardrum, click here.
Treatment for a ruptured eardrum
In most cases of eardrum rupture, antibiotics are usually prescribed for a ruptured eardrum due to an acute ear infection. A course of antibiotics are recommended for children who have an acute ear infection that involves drainage. In case the perforation does not seem to heal or the child suffers from frequent recurrences, it would require the surgical repair of the eardrum which is called as tympanoplasty.
The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to manage a ruptured eardrum due to trauma since the tear in the eardrum increases the risk for the entry of bacteria in the ear. Most cases of rupture due to trauma usually heal within 1-3 months.
Possible complications of a ruptured eardrum
Take note that a ruptured eardrum can also lead to complications such as chronic hearing loss especially cases that do not properly heal. Cases of eardrum rupture that heal inadequately can also trigger the formation of cholesteatoma which is a growth comprised of skin cells that enters the middle ear via the perforation. This would require surgical removal in order to prevent damage that can lead to severe hearing loss, brain compression and abscess inside the skull.