{"id":167,"date":"2019-06-20T12:26:56","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T16:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easterncarolinaent.fm1.dev\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2020-03-20T12:34:38","modified_gmt":"2020-03-20T16:34:38","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/easterncarolinaent.com\/ent\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/","title":{"rendered":"Eardrum Perforation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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, allowing bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media) or contribute to a loss of hearing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eardrum perforations are most often caused by infection, injury or eustachian tube disorders. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Injury or trauma to the ear or head can cause a perforation, as can a skull fracture or sudden loud noise, such as an explosion.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inserting objects like bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can inadvertently cause a rupture as well. And chronic eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Eardrum Perforation?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 either a sudden sharp pain in the ear; a 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Are Eardrum Perforations Treated?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n

Call Eastern Carolina ENT Head & Neck Surgery<\/span> at 252-752-5227<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.   The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":161,"menu_order":20,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"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":[],"class_list":["post-167","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nEardrum Perforation - Eastern Carolina ENT Head & Neck Surgery<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"252-752-5227 | An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. 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