A perforated eardrum is an eardrum with a hole in it. Though the eardrum is flexible, it can sometimes burst from trauma. This can offer from:
- Pressure buildup
- Physical trauma to the ear
- Excessive noise trauma
- Severe ear infection
- A hole placed by a physician for pressure or drainage relief that never heals
Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include:
- Instant and then prolonged ear pain
- Bleeding
- Drainage
- A “wind” sensation in the ear
- Muffled hearing
Perforated eardrums often heal on their own within a matter of weeks or months, though some do not. Your ENT will monitor your ear and may give you medication to treat the pain. If the hole does not heal on its own, you ENT may choose to patch the hole with a graft or skin, though some people live with the hole for the rest of their lives.
If you believe you or a loved one has a perforated eardrum, give us a call to schedule an appointment.