{"id":101,"date":"2022-01-06T21:38:39","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T21:38:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/capefearoto.fm1.dev\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2022-01-26T23:14:24","modified_gmt":"2022-01-26T23:14:24","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/capefearoto.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\" id=\"what-does-an-eardrum-do\">What Does an Eardrum Do?<\/h2>\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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-an-eardrum-perforation\">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&nbsp;can lead to a <a href=\"https:\/\/capefearoto.com\/ent\/ear-infection\/\">middle ear infection<\/a> and possible hearing loss, though it can heal without medical treatment in some cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\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\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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-can-cause-eardrum-perforations\">What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/capefearoto.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:\/\/capefearoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/capefearoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/capefearoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis-256x171.jpeg 256w, https:\/\/capefearoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ENT-Perforated-Eardrum-Diagnosis.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption>ENT using an otoscope to inspect a patients eardrums for a possible eardrum perforation<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\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> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/capefearoto.com\/ent\/ear-tubes\/\">Eustachian tube problems can<\/a> weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\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?&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><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\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-eardrum-perforations-diagnosed\">How Are&nbsp;Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/capefearoto.com\/ent\/\">ear, nose, and throat doctor<\/a> 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\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-an-eardrum-perforation-treated\">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. 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\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\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>Call Cape Fear Otolaryngology at <a href=\"tel:+19103239222\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(910) 323-9222<\/span><\/a> for our Fayetteville location or <a href=\"tel:+19102254510\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(910) 225-4510<\/span><\/a> for our Lumberton location for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/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. 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