All About a Ruptured Eardrum: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

The eardrum is a thin membrane located at the end of the ear canal separating the outer ear from the middle ear. Aside from detecting and transmitting sound, the eardrum acts as a barrier, protecting the middle ear from bacteria, water, and foreign objects.

When the eardrum ruptures, you may experience symptoms such as sudden ear pain, drainage of fluid from the ear, and hearing loss. This article will delve into the causes and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum, and explore treatment options and preventive measures.

• Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum
• Causes of a Ruptured Eardrum
• Diagnosing a Ruptured Eardrum
• Treatment for a Ruptured Eardrum
• How to Prevent a Ruptured Eardrum
• FAQs About a Ruptured Eardrum

A ruptured eardrum can present via a range of symptoms that vary in intensity. The following point to a possible ruptured eardrum:

• Sudden sharp pain
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss
• Ear discharge that’s clear, bloody or with pus
• Vertigo (sensation of the surroundings spinning or moving)
• Nausea and vomiting

Various factors can compromise the integrity of the eardrum. This section will cover the possible causes of a ruptured eardrum.

Otitis media is a middle ear infection, often resulting from bacteria or viruses. This condition leads to the accumulation of fluid and pus behind the eardrum. If the pressure from the fluid buildup becomes too great, it can cause the eardrum to stretch and eventually rupture.

Ear barotrauma is a condition that occurs when there is a large difference in pressure between the outside environment and the middle ear. This often happens during activities such as air travel or scuba diving. 

When the pressure changes rapidly, the Eustachian tube may struggle to equalise the pressure in the middle ear. If the pressure imbalance becomes too extreme, the eardrum may rupture from overstretching.

Trauma to the head or ear may occur due to severe collisions, such as sports or motor accidents. This trauma can dislocate or damage the structures within the middle and inner ear, including the eardrum. The eardrum may even be directly punctured.

Foreign objects in the ear canal can lead to a ruptured eardrum through direct impact or pressure. Common examples of items that may be inserted into the ear include small toys, beads, or cotton swabs. When these objects are pushed too far into the ear canal, they can create excessive pressure against the eardrum, causing it to stretch and rupture.

Extremely loud sounds, such as gunshots, fireworks, explosions, or amplified music at high volumes, can reach harmful decibel levels. Such intense sounds can cause a ruptured eardrum by forcing the eardrum to stretch excessively. 

Diagnosing a ruptured eardrum involves a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional. In this section, we’ll explore the two commonly used methods of diagnosis.

During an otoscopy examination, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor will use an otoscope to inspect the ear canal and eardrum. They’ll look for signs of infection, fluid accumulation, or abnormalities such as perforations in the eardrum.

In addition to a visual inspection, the doctor may conduct a pneumatic otoscopy. In this procedure, a rubber bulb is attached to the otoscope, allowing the doctor to blow air into the ear. If the eardrum is intact, it’ll vibrate in response to the air pressure. Conversely, if it’s ruptured, the eardrum won’t respond.

Two types of hearing tests may be carried out to diagnose the severity of the ruptured eardrum — tympanometry and an audiometry test.

Tympanometry measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure. This test helps evaluate the extent of damage to the eardrum.

On the other hand, audiometry evaluates your overall hearing ability through various tones and frequencies. During this test, you’ll listen to sounds through headphones and indicate when you hear them. Audiometry helps quantify the degree of hearing loss associated with the ruptured eardrum and identifies specific frequencies affected by the injury.

A ruptured eardrum often heals on its own. However, if it doesn’t heal naturally or complications arise, medical treatment is necessary to prevent further issues and restore hearing.

The treatment method commonly recommended for a ruptured eardrum is tympanoplasty. This surgical procedure involves repairing the eardrum by grafting a small piece of tissue over the perforation. The surgery aims to restore the integrity of the tympanic membrane, improve hearing and prevent chronic infections.

Preventing a ruptured eardrum involves taking proactive measures to protect your ears from potential risks. By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an ear injury in the future.

• Protect your ears from loud noises: Wear earplugs or other protective gear in environments where you might be exposed to loud sounds. Examples of these sounds include gunshots or explosions.
• Avoid inserting foreign objects into your ear: Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears as this can easily lead to a ruptured eardrum. Instead, gently wipe the outer ear with a clean cloth.
• Avoid barotrauma: To prevent barotrauma, try yawning, chewing gum, or using special earplugs designed to equalise pressure.
• Seek treatment for otitis media: Symptoms of middle ear infections include earache, fluid discharge and difficulty hearing. Contact a healthcare provider if these symptoms persist for a few days to avoid complications like a ruptured eardrum.