Perforated eardrum (patient information)

Perforated eardrum
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Perforated eardrum?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Perforated eardrum
Risk calculators and risk factors for Perforated eardrum

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ogheneochuko Ajari, MB.BS, MS [2]

Overview

A ruptured eardrum is an opening or hole in the eardrum, which separates the outer and middle ear. When the eardrum is damaged, the hearing may be harmed.

What are the symptoms?

Ear pain may suddenly decrease right after your eardrum ruptures.

After the rupture, you may have:

Drainage from the ear (drainage may be clear, pus, or bloody) Ear noise/ buzzing Earache or ear discomfort Hearing loss in the involved ear (hearing loss may not be total) Weakness of the face, or dizziness (in more severe cases)