The eardrum is an essential part of the hearing system, acting as a barrier and transmitting sound vibrations to the middle ear, contributing to the hearing process. The eardrum may face some problems, such as holes or tears, which raises concerns about its impact on hearing and general health. In this context, the Dalili Medical website raises questions about the possibility of healing a perforated eardrum, how serious it is, and when ear infection becomes a serious condition. It is important to understand how to treat a perforated eardrum and how to deal with this condition to ensure full recovery. Knowing how serious a perforated eardrum is is essential, as some cases may require specialized medical intervention to avoid worsening the situation.

**What is a ruptured eardrum?**

 

A ruptured eardrum, also known as a perforated tympanic membrane, is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. This tear can lead to hearing loss and make the middle ear more susceptible to infection. The tear usually heals within a few weeks without the need for treatment, but in some cases it may require the use of a medical patch or reconstructive surgery to achieve full recovery.

**What happens if I rupture my eardrum?**

 

A ruptured eardrum occurs when a hole or tear occurs in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. This can cause hearing loss, but the eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment.

**Does a perforated eardrum heal?**

 

Yes, most perforated eardrums heal on their own within a few weeks.

**How ​​do I know if my eardrum graft was successful?**

 

The main goal of myringoplasty is to restore hearing and prevent ear infections. If this goal is achieved, the procedure is considered successful.

**Can you fly with a perforated eardrum?**

 

In general, you can fly if you have a perforated eardrum, but it is best to consult your doctor, especially if you have had surgery to correct the eardrum.

**How ​​long does a perforated eardrum heal?**

 

A perforated eardrum usually heals on its own within weeks to two months.

**What causes air to sound in the ear?**

 

This is called tinnitus, and it is not a serious disease, but it can be annoying. Tinnitus is caused by several factors, including: exposure to loud sounds, hearing loss associated with aging, or taking some medications that may negatively affect the ear, such as high doses of aspirin.

**Which side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum?**

 

It is best to sleep either on your back with your head slightly raised, or on the side of the healthy ear. It is essential to avoid sleeping on the affected side, as this can cause pressure on the ear, leading to pain and discomfort, and may negatively affect the healing process.

**Functions of the eardrum:**

Before we talk about eardrum perforation and its treatment, let's get to know its basic functions, which include:

1. Preventing germs from entering the middle ear, which helps avoid infection and inflammation.

2. Contributing to the hearing process by vibrating and transmitting vibrations to the inner ear.

**Tips for Ear Care:**

- **Keep your ears dry:** Use waterproof silicone earplugs or cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly while showering or swimming.

- **Avoid cleaning your ears:** Wait until your eardrum is completely healed before attempting to clean it.

- **Refrain from blowing your nose:** The pressure from blowing your nose vigorously can negatively affect the healing of your eardrum.

**Eardrum Perforation Healing Time:**

The healing time depends on the size of the hole in your eardrum. Small holes usually start to heal on their own within a day or two, but complete healing can take several months. If pain, drainage, or hearing problems persist after 2-3 days, you should consult your doctor, as you may need treatment. Your doctor may recommend drops or antibiotics, and in some cases, a patch may be required over the perforation. If the above treatments do not work, surgery may be recommended to repair the tear.

**What happens if a perforated eardrum doesn't heal?**

 

If your eardrum doesn't heal on its own after 3 to 6 months, you may experience complications, such as:

- **Hearing loss:** Hearing loss is usually temporary and returns once the perforation heals, but in some cases, if the perforation is large or in an area that is difficult to heal, hearing loss may be permanent.

- **Middle ear infection:** The perforation may allow bacteria to enter the middle ear, leading to recurrent infections and permanent hearing loss.

- **Cholesteroloma:** The perforation may allow skin and earwax to enter the middle ear, which may form a cyst that damages the bones in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss.

- **Mastoiditis:** Occurs when an infection spreads to the bone behind the ear.

- **Long-term dizziness or vertigo.**

**When should you see an audiologist immediately in cases of a perforated eardrum?**

 

You should see a specialist immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

- Sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears.

- Hearing deterioration over the past days or weeks.

- Ear pain with discharge.

**Complications of not treating a perforated eardrum**

 

If the perforated eardrum does not heal and appropriate treatment is not received, several complications may appear, including:

1. **Hearing loss**

This loss is often temporary, but it may persist until the perforation heals. It is important to note that the size and location of the tear affects the degree of hearing loss.

2. **Recurrent or chronic infection**

If the perforation does not heal, the person may become susceptible to persistent infections, leading to hearing loss and chronic discharge.

3. **Formation of a cyst in the middle ear**

Although rare, the formation of skin cells and other debris in the middle ear as a result of a perforated eardrum can lead to a cyst, providing a suitable environment for bacteria that may harm the bones of the eardrum.Middle ear.

**When does a patient recover from a perforated eardrum?**

 

Treating a perforated eardrum without surgery usually takes several months to heal. If pain, fluid drainage from the ear, or hearing problems persist after weeks of treatment, a doctor should be consulted, as the patient may need a surgical intervention that includes taking skin or cartilage from another area to repair the perforation.

**Is a perforated eardrum dangerous?**

 

Some may wonder, "Is a perforated eardrum dangerous?" In fact, the perforation may not necessarily be dangerous, as it can heal on its own after a few months. However, a perforated eardrum may result in a number of serious complications, including:

1. **Hearing loss**

The eardrum plays a vital role in hearing, as its vibration when sound waves enter is the first step in the hearing process. A perforated eardrum may lead to hearing loss, which can be temporary until the perforation heals, or last for a long time in rare cases. The extent of hearing loss varies depending on the size and location of the perforation.

2. **Ear infection**

The eardrum acts as a barrier to prevent water and bacteria from entering the middle ear. A perforated ear canal can allow bacteria to enter, causing otitis media, and a person may be exposed to recurrent or chronic infections, leading to hearing loss and chronic discharge.

3. **Formation of a cyst in the middle ear**

Usually, skin debris is pushed toward the outer ear by earwax, but in the case of a perforation, these debris can enter the middle ear and collect, leading to the formation of a cyst. This cyst can create a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and cause inflammation, and it may contain proteins that lead to damage to the bones of the middle ear.

4. **Long-term complications**

In rare cases, a person may suffer from complications that last for a long time, such as dizziness and vertigo due to imbalance.

**What are the causes of a perforated eardrum?**

 

There are many causes of a ruptured eardrum, the most prominent of which are:

1. **Recurrent ear infections**: where fluids accumulate behind the eardrum as a result of infection, leading to a rupture of the membrane.

 

2. **Repeated surgeries**: such as installing an ear tube for patients who suffer from recurrent infections or fluid accumulation behind the eardrum.

3. **Repeated injuries and bruises**: such as falling on the ear, traffic accidents, or inserting solid objects that lead to a ruptured eardrum.

4. **Loud noise**: Loud sounds can cause an acoustic shock that causes a ruptured eardrum, and explosions can also do so in rare cases.

5. **Changes in pressure**: known as ear barotrauma, where a difference in pressure occurs between the inside and outside of the ear, leading to a ruptured eardrum. Examples of this include diving to great depths, flying, or mountain climbing.

6. **Foreign bodies**: can lead to a ruptured eardrum.

7. **Brain injuries**: They may also cause a rupture.

**Symptoms**

Symptoms of a perforated eardrum range from mild to severe. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may experience:

- Hearing problems or loss.

- Persistent ringing in the ear.

- Dizziness and vertigo.

- Severe ear pain due to germs entering and otitis media.

- Fluid coming out of the ear after the pain goes away.

- Pus coming out that may be accompanied by blood.

- A persistent crackling or buzzing sound in the ear.

**Diagnosis**

An ear, nose, and throat specialist usually diagnoses a ruptured eardrum using a lighted instrument such as an otoscope or microscope. He or she may also perform additional tests to determine the cause of the symptoms or to detect any hearing loss, including:

- **Laboratory tests**: If there is discharge from the ear, the doctor may need to perform a laboratory test to detect a bacterial infection.

- **Tuning fork assessment**: These are metal instruments that make a sound when struck, which helps detect hearing loss.

- **Hearing exam**: It includes a series of accurate tests to measure the quality of hearing at different volumes and levels, and these tests are conducted in a soundproof booth.

**When should I see a doctor?**

 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. The middle and inner ear are sensitive areas for injury or disease.

An ear, nose and throat doctor uses an instrument known as an otoscope to examine your ear. This instrument has a light source at one end, which the doctor shines into your ear to check for a hole or tear in the eardrum. The doctor may also perform a test to assess your hearing level, and may prescribe pain relief medications.

**Precautions to take while your eardrum is healing:**

 

- Keep your ears dry. Use a protective cap while showering to prevent water from entering your ear.

- Try to avoid blowing your nose during the recovery period.

- Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.

- Avoid exposing your ears to cold air.

**Best hygiene practices and ear care:**

 

- Do not use sharp objects to clean your ears. Use cotton swabs gently to clean only the outer ear, to avoid any potential damage to the eardrum.

- When you have a cold or a stuffy nose, avoid driving at high altitudes, diving, or flying until your condition improves. These activities can put extra pressure on your ears, which can damage your eardrum.

- Use earplugs that help equalize pressure while traveling by air, especially during takeoff and landing.

- Avoid noisy places and loud events, as they can damage your ears.

- Do not ignore signs such as ear pain, ear infection, fever, or hearing problems. Consult a doctor immediately.

**Treatment of a ruptured eardrum:**

 

A ruptured eardrum usually does not require special treatment, as most cases heal within three months. However, when you visit a doctor, there are two types of treatment methods available.

**First: Medical treatment**

 

**Ear patching surgery:** If the tear or hole in the eardrum does not heal naturally, the doctor may close it with a paper membrane soaked in a chemical that promotes healing.

**Surgery:** If the paper membrane does not heal as desired, the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure known as myringoplasty, in which the surgeon patches a piece of the patient's tissue to close the hole in the eardrum.

**Taking antibiotics:** Antibiotics can be given either by mouth or in the form of ear drops. This method is often used to prevent ear infections or to treat an existing infection, in addition to pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

**Tapes to close the hole in the eardrum:** Some types of patches are considered a method of treating a perforated eardrum, as the doctor resorts to using them if the hole does not heal on its own. The doctor begins by applying certain chemicals to stimulate the growth of the eardrum membrane around the edges of the hole, then applies the patch to close the hole.

**Eardrum perforation treatment with fat:** If the perforation or tear is small, it can be treated with fat or tissue paper. This procedure is often performed under local anesthesia and takes between 10 and 30 minutes.

**Eardrum perforation treatment with laser:** This procedure is used in the case of a large perforation or tear, or in the case of a chronic ear infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics. This procedure is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia, and involves using a laser to remove excess tissue accumulated in the middle ear, then a small piece of the patient's tissue is taken from a vein or muscle and implanted on the eardrum to close the hole.

After surgery, the ear is bandaged and left for 5 to 7 days before being removed. In most cases, the patient can be discharged from the hospital on the same day of surgery.

**Endoscopic tympanoplasty procedures:** The surgical procedures for this procedure begin when the patient enters the operating room, where:

1. The patient is placed under general or local anesthesia depending on age and health condition.

2. Passing the endoscope through the ear canal to reach the site of the hole to be patched.

3. Getting rid of any damaged cells or traces of inflammation around the eardrum.

4. Starting to patch the hole using a piece of natural tissue that the doctor pulls from the patient.

5. In some cases, doctors rely on a special patching gel to cover the hole and repair the eardrum.

The procedure usually takes from half an hour to two hours, and after completion, the patient is taken out of the operating room and waits until he regains consciousness if he is under general anesthesia.

**Second: Home treatment**

 

The doctor directs the patient to use cold water compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve the pain resulting from a ruptured eardrum. It is also recommended to blow the nose and empty its contents periodically or avoid doing so completely.

**After the eardrum patching procedure**

 

After the eardrum patching procedure, a set of procedures and precautions must be adhered to, including:

- Ensure that water does not get into the ear for at least two months.

- Avoid activities that require great physical effort or cause additional pressure on the eardrum, such as lifting weights, swimming, or flying, for a month after the operation.

- Avoid sudden movements of the head, driving, or bending for two days after the operation to avoid feeling dizzy.

- Commit to taking the medications prescribed by the doctor on their specified dates.

- Avoid coughing or sneezing as much as possible, as this may affect the small blood vessels that contribute to the healing process.

The patient may feel dizzy and have some pain after the operation, and this may continue for several days, but adhering to the doctor's instructions and getting some rest can help speed up the healing process. It is recommended not to use any type of home ear drops without consulting a doctor.

**Eardrum surgery complications**

 

Although tympanoplasty is generally considered safe, it may be associated with some risks and complications in a small percentage of cases. The most prominent of these complications are:

- Bleeding

- Inflammation of the surgical site

- Allergic reactions to anesthesia during the operation

- Failure of the eardrum patch, which occurs in less than 10% of cases

- Adhesion in the middle layer of the eardrum

- Hearing loss

- Facial nerve injury

- Tinnitus and dizziness, these complications are usually temporary and disappear with time.

**Treatment of eardrum perforation with herbs**

 

- **Garlic oil**: It is used by placing one drop in the ear, as it contains antioxidants and vitamin C.

- **Lion's foot oil**: One drop is placed daily, as it provides the ear with minerals and antioxidants.

- **Flower tea**: It is recommended to drink a cup of this tea three times a day to boost the immune system.

- **Basil oil**: A little of this oil is placed on a piece of cotton, then gently inserted into the ear hole and left for 5 minutes, with repetition twice daily.

- **Clove oil**: It can be mixed with olive oil or heated in a water bath, and after filtering it and leaving it to cool, two drops of it are placed in the affected ear.

- **Sesame oil**: It is used to drip the ear that suffers from the hole once a day.

- **Olive oil**: It is dripped into the ear daily before bed.

- **Rosemary oil**: It is considered one of the best oils for treating ear problems, as it can be placed on the ear from below.

- **Oregano oil**: It is considered an effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that affects the ear, and it is first diluted with coconut oil and then placed on the outer ear.