What is a Perforated Eardrum?

A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear that has developed in the eardrum. It can affect hearing. The extent of hearing loss can vary greatly. For example, tiny perforations may only cause minimal loss of hearing. Larger perforations may affect hearing more severely. Also, if the tiny bones (ossicles) are damaged in addition to the eardrum then the hearing loss would be much greater than, say, a small perforation which is not close to the ossicles.

With a perforation, you are at greater risk of developing an ear infection. This is because the eardrum normally acts as a barrier to bacteria and other germs that may get into the middle ear.

What can cause a Perforated Eardrum?

Causes include:

  • Infections of the middle ear, which can damage the eardrum. In this situation you often have a discharge from the ear as pus runs out from the middle ear.
  • Direct injury to the ear – for example, a punch to the ear.
  • A sudden loud noise – for example, from a nearby explosion. The shock waves and sudden sound waves can tear (perforate) the eardrum. This is often the most severe type of perforation and can lead to severe hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  • Barotrauma. This occurs when you suddenly have a change in air pressure and there is a sharp difference in the pressure of air outside the ear and in the middle ear. For example, when descending in an aircraft. Pain in the ear due to a tense eardrum is common during height (altitude) changes when flying. However, a perforated eardrum only happens rarely in extreme cases.
  • Poking objects into the ear. This can sometimes damage the eardrum.

How is a perforated eardrum diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose a torn (perforated) eardrum simply by looking into the ear with a special torch called an otoscope. However, sometimes it is difficult to see the eardrum if there is a lot of inflammation, wax or infection present in the ear.

What is the treatment for a perforated eardrum?

No treatment is needed in most cases

A torn (perforated) eardrum will usually heal by itself within 6-8 weeks. It is a skin-like structure and, like skin that is cut, it will usually heal. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic medicines if there is an infection or risk of infection developing in the middle ear whilst the eardrum is healing.

It is best to avoid water getting into the ear whilst it is healing. For example, your doctor may advise that you put some cotton wool or similar material into your outer ear whilst showering or washing your hair. It is best not to swim until the eardrum has healed.

Medical treatment

Occasionally, a perforated eardrum gets infected and needs antibiotics. Some ear drops can occasionally damage the nerve supply to the ear. Your doctor will select a type that does not have this risk, or may give you medication by mouth.

Surgical treatment is sometimes considered

A small operation is an option to treat a perforated drum that does not heal by itself. There are various techniques which may be used to repair the eardrum, depending on how severe the damage is. This operation may be called a myringoplasty or a tympanoplasty. These operations are usually successful in fixing the perforation and improving hearing.

However, not all people with an unhealed perforation need treatment. Many people have a small permanent perforation with no symptoms or significant hearing loss. Treatment is mainly considered if there is hearing loss, as this may improve if the perforation is fixed. Also, swimmers may prefer to have a perforation repaired, as getting water in the middle ear can increase the risk of having an ear infection.

If you have a perforation that has not healed by itself, a doctor who is an ear specialist will advise on whether treatment is necessary.