Is your eardrum ruptured? (Ruptured Eardrum) - Don't worry, let's get you informed!

Have you suddenly had a severe earache that went away after a while? Or have you noticed something like fluid draining from your ear? Or maybe you feel like your hearing is a little reduced? These could be signs of a ruptured eardrum. This name may sound a little scary, but don't worry. Most of the time, this condition heals on its own. Let's get to the bottom of this.

Simply put, the eardrum is a very thin membrane that separates our outer ear from our middle ear. It's like the skin of a drum. When this membrane gets a hole or tear, we call it a 'ruptured eardrum'.

What are the main symptoms of a ruptured eardrum?

Sometimes you may not immediately realize that your eardrum has burst, especially if nothing has hit your ear. Most people first notice fluid coming out of their ear or hearing loss. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor and get checked out. Although most eardrums heal on their own, it's important to determine exactly what's wrong.

Why does this happen? What are the causes of a ruptured eardrum?

The main and most common cause of a ruptured eardrum is a middle ear infection . When an ear infection occurs, fluid builds up behind the eardrum, creating pressure. When this pressure increases, the eardrum can rupture or burst.

Apart from that, there are several other reasons.

• Accidents or injuries to the ear: A sudden blow to the ear or head, for example, a fall or a bump on the ear, can cause the eardrum to burst.
• Very loud, explosive noises: When you are near something like a loud explosion or gunshot, the pressure from the sound waves can cause the eardrum to burst.
• Pressure changes (Barotrauma): When the pressure in the middle ear changes suddenly due to air trapped in the middle ear, whether while flying or diving, the eardrum can burst.
• Inserting foreign objects into the ear: This is a common mistake that many people make. Inserting objects like cotton buds, hairpins, and keys into the ear to clean the ear can damage the eardrum and cause perforation. This can also happen if something like a tree branch accidentally hits the ear.

How can you protect your eardrum from bursting?

Protecting our ears is the best way to prevent a ruptured eardrum. Here are some simple things you can do:

• Clean your ears carefully: Stop using cotton buds altogether. Instead, gently wipe only the outside of your ear with a clean cloth.
• Take care of your ears during flights: The pressure changes during flight can affect your ears. Chewing gum, blowing your nose, or using earplugs during takeoff and landing can help relieve this pressure.
• Protect your ears from loud noises: If you are in places with loud noises, such as gunshots or explosions, be sure to wear earplugs or other hearing protection.
• Get ear infections treated promptly: If you have symptoms of a middle ear infection, such as ear pain, nasal congestion, fever, or hearing loss, and it lasts more than a few days, see your doctor right away.

Can this be serious? Possible complications

A ruptured eardrum can sometimes be a serious problem, especially if it doesn't heal on its own. Some of the long-term complications that can occur include:

• The hole continues to remain open without closing on its own.
• Dizziness or problems with body balance.
• Persistent hearing loss.
• Recurrent ear infections.
• Skin growth that can damage the middle ear (cholesteatoma).

Also, remember, the eardrum is like a barrier that prevents germs, water, and other debris from entering our ears. When it gets perforated, these things can easily enter, increasing the risk of infection.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you see a doctor, he or she will look inside your ear using an instrument called an otoscope. This instrument shines a light into the ear and allows you to see the eardrum clearly.

In addition, you can also have several hearing tests done to see how your hearing is.

• Audiometry (audiogram): This tests how well you can hear subtle sounds and different tones.
• Tympanometry: This measures how well your eardrum moves.

These tests will allow the doctor to determine exactly whether you have a ruptured eardrum or another ear problem.

What are the treatments?

Most of the time, a perforated eardrum will heal on its own without any treatment. However, if it doesn't, you may need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT specialist).

The following treatment options are available:

• Myringoplasty: In this procedure, the doctor places a small paper-like patch over the hole in the eardrum. This patch helps the eardrum regrow and close the hole.
• Tympanoplasty: This is a surgical procedure in which a small piece of tissue taken from another part of your body (such as skin or cartilage) is used to repair your eardrum.

How long does it take to recover? How can I take care of myself during this time?

Most often, a perforated eardrum heals within a few weeks. However, it can take several months. If your pain, discharge, or hearing loss continues, talk to your doctor again.

How you care for your ear while your eardrum is healing can greatly affect the healing process. Here are some things you can do:

• Avoid picking your nose as much as possible: The pressure from picking your nose can interfere with healing. If you have allergies, ask your doctor about ways to prevent nasal congestion.
• Do not clean your ears:Even if you clean gently, it can interfere with the healing of the eardrum.
• Keep your ears dry: Use waterproof earplugs when showering, or put a cotton ball in your ear with something like Vaseline. If you swim for exercise, switch to another activity until your ear heals. Water getting into your ear can cause infections.

Which side should you sleep on?

If your eardrum is ruptured, try to sleep on the side that is not painful or draining. This can help reduce the pressure on the damaged ear.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

If your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, or if they get worse, see your doctor again.

Go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately if:

• If something is stuck in your ear.
• If you suddenly experience unbearable ear pain or complete loss of hearing.
• If you think your ear has been damaged by a sharp object.