{"id":101,"date":"2022-01-06T21:38:39","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T21:38:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stcloudent.fm1.dev\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2023-06-06T08:43:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T14:43:58","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stcloudent.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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does an Eardrum Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The eardrum has two main roles:<\/h3>\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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an Eardrum Perforation?<\/h2>\n\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\u00a0can lead to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/ent\/ear-infection\/\">middle ear infection<\/a>\u00a0and possible hearing loss, but it sometimes will heal without medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does a Perforation Affect Eardrum Functions?<\/h2>\n\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). An infection when there is a hole in the eardrum will nearly always result in drainage from the ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-1536x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"ENT inspecting ears for a perforation of the eardrum\" class=\"wp-image-642\" title=\"ENT Perforated Eardrums\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-256x171.jpeg 256w, https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\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>&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/ent\/ear-tubes\/\">Eustachian tube problems can<\/a>&nbsp;weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\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>\n<li>A sudden sharp pain in the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders\/symptoms-of-ear-disorders\/ear-discharge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discharge of&nbsp;fluid<\/a>&nbsp;that may be bloody, clear&nbsp;or pus-like<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A buzzing or ringing in the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ear infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facial weakness or dizziness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are&nbsp;Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/ent\/\">ear, nose, and throat doctor<\/a>&nbsp;will examine&nbsp;your&nbsp;ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. The ear may need to be cleaned of wax or debris in order to see the eardrum. When a perforation is suspected, the ear should not be cleaned with water as this will often lead to an infection and pain. 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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is an&nbsp;Eardrum Perforation Treated?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\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. Perforations that don\u2019t close on their own 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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eardrum perforation might take as long as three to six months to heal. If complications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><p class=\"content-cta\">\r\n<span>Call St. Cloud Ear, Nose &#038; Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/span>\r\n<a href=\"tel:+13202520233\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(320) 252-0233<\/span><\/a>\r\n<svg class=\"content-cta-accent\" width=\"742\" height=\"74\" viewBox=\"0 0 742 74\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path opacity=\"0.5\" d=\"M1 28C1 28 88.2316 51.1442 313.093 62.5852C537.955 74.0261 741 72.9747 741 72.9747\" stroke=\"white\"\/>\n<path opacity=\"0.5\" d=\"M1 1C1 1 88.2316 35.4592 313.093 52.4935C537.955 69.5277 741 67.9623 741 67.9623\" stroke=\"white\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\r\n<\/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":83,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=&quot;&lt;phone&gt;&quot;] | If you believe you have an eardrum perforation, schedule with an ENT. We offer specialized care and diagnoses. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=101"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/83"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}