A perforated eardrum can cause pain, dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and fluid or blood leakage. It can be caused by loud noises, injury, or objects in the ear. It usually heals on its own, but antibiotics or surgery may be needed. Serious symptoms should be shared with a doctor immediately.
A perforated eardrum is a condition in which the tympanic membrane of the ear is punctured or ruptured, typically causing pain and discomfort within the ear; pain is often the first indication a person has that there is a problem. Other common symptoms of a perforated eardrum are dizziness, hearing loss, ringing or ringing in the ear, and fluid or blood leaking from the ear. Some people may experience only one of these symptoms, while others may experience several. It is possible to have a perforated eardrum and have none of these symptoms, but just feel that something is not right with the ear.
The level of pain experienced varies, from mild discomfort to extreme, sharp pain. Someone who suffers from vertigo, which is often described as an illusion of motion, feels as if they or their surroundings are moving or spinning when, in reality, they are stationary. Hearing loss is a common symptom of a perforated eardrum because this part of the ear receives vibrations from the outer ear and sends these signals to the so-called hearing bones in the middle section of the ear.
It is common for people to have a perforation in their eardrum and not know what caused it. It could be the result of something as simple as a very sudden and loud noise. Other causes include a direct injury to the ear, such as a punch; a sharp change in air pressure; or damage from an object that was inserted into the ear, such as a pen.
A perforated eardrum is normally not a serious problem and usually repairs itself within six to eight weeks. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent an ear infection, which is a common side effect because a puncture in the thin, protective layer of tissue allows germs and bacteria to reach the middle and inner ear. If the perforated eardrum doesn’t heal on its own, it can be repaired with a simple surgical procedure called a tympanoplasty. Chemicals can also be applied near the tear to encourage healing.
Some symptoms of a perforated eardrum indicate a more serious problem and should be shared with a doctor. These are difficulty walking, a sudden change in hearing, a loss of taste, and an extreme spinning sensation. Whether the person also has a stiff neck; a high fever; a severe headache; numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs; trouble speaking or opening your mouth; continuous vomiting, a sudden change in vision; difficulty staying awake; or pain or swelling behind the ear, you should see a doctor right away. These symptoms are rare, but can indicate a potentially life-threatening complication of a perforated eardrum.
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