{"id":232,"date":"2021-07-06T19:34:56","date_gmt":"2021-07-06T23:34:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.fm1.dev\/providing-comprehensive-ear-nose-throat-care\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2021-07-08T19:51:22","modified_gmt":"2021-07-08T23:51:22","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/ent\/eardrum-perforation\/","title":{"rendered":"Eardrum Perforation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Does an Eardrum Do?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing \u2013 Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.\nProtection \u2013 Acting as a barrier, your eardrum protects your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an Eardrum Perforation?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this tear occurs in the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear. A perforation can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How does a rupture affect eardrum functions?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The eardrum converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain, and protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and other foreign objects. A perforation can disrupt both important functions. When an eardrum is ruptured it can allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media). A rupture or perforation can also create a hole; just like a drumhead is worse at carrying sound with a hole in it, your tympanic membrane is too. This is the reason a rupture can contribute to a loss of hearing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Eardrum perforations are most often caused by: Infection. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum. Injury. Injury or trauma to the ear and head like a sudden loud noise or skull fracture can cause an eardrum to rupture. Eustachian tube disorders. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental a rupture. Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.\"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there may be a complete lack of symptoms or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience: a sudden sharp pain in the ear\na discharge of fluid that may be bloody, clear or pus-like, a buzzing or ringing in the ear, partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear, ear infection, facial weakness or dizziness.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Possible Complications to an Ear Perforation?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"If your perforated eardrum does not self-heal in three to six months and you don\u2019t seek treatment, possible complications include: Hearing Loss due to a perforated eardrum is usually temporary. Size and location of the perforation plays a huge role in the eardrum\u2019s healing process, resulting in the degree of hearing loss you may experience. A perforated eardrum can allow bacteria to enter the ear. If the perforation doesn\u2019t heal, a small number of people are subject to recurrent ear infections. This cyst, composed of skin cells and various debris, is very rare. The cyst is a result from a long-term development in the middle ear after your eardrum has been perforated.\"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required. If your physician can\u2019t see the rupture but suspects you have one they may use a process called tympanometry to create pressure variations in your middle ear. A perorated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a 20 \u2013 30-dB conductive hearing loss.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How is an Eardrum Perforation Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Because the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery. While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \" An eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.\"\n    }\n    }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-an-eardrum-do\">What Does an Eardrum Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/middle-ear-hearing-1280x1280.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/middle-ear-hearing-1280x1280.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/middle-ear-hearing-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/middle-ear-hearing-256x256.jpg 256w, https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/middle-ear-hearing-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/middle-ear-hearing.jpg 1732w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The eardrum has two main roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hearing<\/strong>. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protection<\/strong>. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-an-eardrum-perforation\">What is an Eardrum Perforation?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation is a hole or rupture in the eardrum. This tear&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;in&nbsp;the membrane separating your outer&nbsp;ear&nbsp;from your inner ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation&nbsp;can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though it can heal without medical treatment in some cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-a-perforation-affect-eardrum-functions\">How Does a Perforation Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>A rupture or perforation creates a hole in the tympanic membrane. This impairs its ability to vibrate, which can contribute to a loss of hearing and may allow bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media).<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-can-cause-eardrum-perforations\">What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforations are most often caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Infection<\/strong>. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Injury.<\/strong> Injury or trauma to the ear and head, like a sudden loud noise or skull fracture, can cause an eardrum to rupture. Inserting objects such as bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can cause an accidental rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eustachian tube disorders.<\/strong>&nbsp;Chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-symptoms-of-a-perforated-eardrum\">What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there may&nbsp;be a complete lack of symptoms&nbsp;or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A sudden sharp pain in the ear<\/li><li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\">discharge of&nbsp;fluid<\/a> that may be bloody, clear&nbsp;or pus-like<\/li><li>A buzzing or ringing in the ear<\/li><li>Partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear<\/li><li>Ear infection<\/li><li>Facial weakness or dizziness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-eardrum-perforations-diagnosed\">How Are\u00a0Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>An ENT specialist will examine&nbsp;your&nbsp;ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your physician can\u2019t see the rupture but suspects you have one, they may use a process called tympanometry to create pressure variations in your middle ear. A perforated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and may cause&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2918411\/#:~:text=Perforation%20of%20the%20TM%20is,from%20negligible%20to%2050%20dB.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">conductive hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-an-eardrum-perforation-treated\">How is an\u00a0Eardrum Perforation Treated?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Because most perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the rupture is healing, you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-does-a-perforated-eardrum-take-to-heal\">How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><p>Call <span class=\"company-name \">Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat &amp; Plastic Surgery<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+14349473993\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(434) 947-3993<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing. Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection. Your eardrum acts as a barrier to protect your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":225,"menu_order":29,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/232"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=232"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/232\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":614,"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/232\/revisions\/614"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blueridgeentps.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}