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When the Eustachian tube fails to function properly (a condition called Eustachian tube dysfunction), pressure can build inside of the middle ear, causing theeardrum to bulgeor even rupture (this means that the thin membrane actually breaks or gets a hole in it).
Many conditions can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction, including excess mucus (congestion) from a cold or allergies, which may clog the auditory tube or prevent it from opening properly. Enlarged structures such as the adenoids may also crowd or block the auditory tube.The following conditions can also contribute to a ruptured eardrum:
Some people suffer from chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and this condition can actually weaken the eardrum over time. For example, someone who has chronic auditory tube dysfunction from untreated allergies may be more likely to rupture their eardrum while taking off in an airplane than someone who has a normally functioning auditory tube.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a ruptured eardrum is not usually difficult. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and the circumstances surrounding the rupture. Then the healthcare provider will examine your eardrum with an instrument called an otoscope. If the eardrum has ruptured, damage to the tympanic membrane, such as a hole, ascab, or a scar may be visible.
Treatment
The treatment of a ruptured eardrum is not usually complicated. In most cases, the eardrum will heal on its own within 2 months.You should see a healthcare provider if you suspect an ear infection, or if persistentear drainageor hearing loss is involved.
A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if an ear infection caused the rupture or if an active infection is suspected.Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are often helpful for pain.
In some rare cases, it may be necessary for a healthcare provider to surgically repair the perforation (hole).This usually involves placing a patch over the damaged part of the ear and can sometimes even be done in the healthcare provider’s office.
This procedure is called a myringoplasty or tympanoplasty. You should keep water out of your ear until the perforation has healed to avoid infection. Your healthcare provider will give you more detailed instruction about how to care for your ear after this procedure.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eardrum perforation.Cleveland Clinic.Pediatric ear problems FAQs.MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.Merck Manual Professional Version.Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane.Nemours KidsHealth.Middle ear infections (otitis media).Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.Ruptured eardrum.Additional ReadingMedscape.Eustachian tube function.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eardrum perforation.Cleveland Clinic.Pediatric ear problems FAQs.MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.Merck Manual Professional Version.Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane.Nemours KidsHealth.Middle ear infections (otitis media).Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.Ruptured eardrum.Additional ReadingMedscape.Eustachian tube function.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eardrum perforation.Cleveland Clinic.Pediatric ear problems FAQs.MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.Merck Manual Professional Version.Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane.Nemours KidsHealth.Middle ear infections (otitis media).Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.Ruptured eardrum.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Eardrum perforation.
Cleveland Clinic.Pediatric ear problems FAQs.
MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane.
Nemours KidsHealth.Middle ear infections (otitis media).
Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.Ruptured eardrum.
Medscape.Eustachian tube function.
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