{"id":217,"date":"2021-04-15T15:02:46","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T22:02:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nesilv.fm1.dev\/ear-nose-throat-care\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2021-04-30T14:46:45","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T21:46:45","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nesilv.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>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>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 middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though it can heal without medical treatment in some cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>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>What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\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 Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-469122148-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-469122148-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-469122148-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-469122148-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-469122148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A sudden sharp pain in the ear.<\/li><li>A discharge of&nbsp;fluid 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>How Are&nbsp;Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An ENT specialist 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>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>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><p class=\"site-cta\">Call <span class=\"company-name \">Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+17027357668\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(702) 735-7668<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment. <div class=\"nvd-cutout-icon-wrapper\"><span class=\"cut-out\"><svg class=\"logo-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewbox=\"0 0 121 121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n  <path d=\"M60.0224 5.0457e-05C37.1446 -0.0295484 16.2448 12.9653 6.15073 33.4959C-3.94338 54.0265 -1.47144 78.5124 12.5224 96.6112L34.1336 96.6112C44.3342 96.4594 52.5236 88.1463 52.5224 77.9445L52.5224 71.6667C49.1495 74.5534 44.8509 76.1309 40.4113 76.1112C32.8184 76.0795 25.9871 71.4913 23.0857 64.4745C20.1843 57.4577 21.7803 49.3849 27.1335 44L28.1336 43.0556C27.4181 42.5614 26.7487 42.0036 26.1336 41.3889C21.4572 36.2934 21.543 28.4418 26.3295 23.4497C31.1161 18.4576 38.9572 18.042 44.2447 22.5C45.371 20.0063 46.9537 17.7452 48.9113 15.8334C53.2872 11.457 59.2225 8.99837 65.4113 8.99837C71.6001 8.99837 77.5354 11.457 81.9113 15.8334C88.5853 22.5067 90.582 32.5434 86.9701 41.2629C83.3583 49.9824 74.8493 55.6674 65.4113 55.6667C63.3457 55.6701 61.2895 55.3897 59.3002 54.8334L59.3002 77.9445C59.8425 87.9037 68.0762 95.7013 78.0502 95.7013C88.0242 95.7013 96.2579 87.9037 96.8002 77.9445C97.1195 73.0262 94.6768 68.3386 90.4628 65.7826C86.2487 63.2267 80.9628 63.2267 76.7488 65.7826C72.5347 68.3386 70.092 73.0262 70.4113 77.9445C70.4113 82.1787 73.8438 85.6112 78.078 85.6112C82.3122 85.6112 85.7447 82.1787 85.7447 77.9445C85.7154 76.7602 84.7623 75.8071 83.578 75.7778C82.4031 75.808 81.4665 76.7692 81.4669 77.9445C81.4669 79.8161 79.9496 81.3334 78.078 81.3334C77.1696 81.3483 76.2933 80.9978 75.6457 80.3607C74.9981 79.7235 74.6334 78.853 74.6336 77.9445C74.6336 73.0046 78.6381 69 83.578 69C88.5179 69 92.5224 73.0046 92.5224 77.9445C92.0485 85.5896 85.71 91.5474 78.0502 91.5474C70.3904 91.5474 64.0519 85.5896 63.578 77.9445C63.1878 70.5376 66.9174 63.52 73.2748 59.6993C79.6322 55.8786 87.5793 55.8786 93.9367 59.6993C100.294 63.52 104.024 70.5376 103.634 77.9445C103.625 89.4792 95.8898 99.5781 84.7558 102.592C73.6219 105.606 61.849 100.788 56.0224 90.8334L55.9113 90.6667C55.9113 90.7223 55.8558 90.7778 55.8002 90.8334C51.3707 98.3853 43.3835 103.144 34.6335 103.444L18.6891 103.444C38.2261 122.055 67.7826 125.334 90.9243 111.46C114.066 97.5862 125.1 69.9712 117.891 43.97C110.683 17.9687 87.0045 -0.0224246 60.0224 5.0457e-05\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M3.45297 20.5C5.69579 22.7351 8.73107 23.9931 11.8974 24C16.7358 23.9896 21.0945 21.0745 22.952 16.6069C24.8095 12.1392 23.8022 6.99317 20.3974 3.55556L20.3974 3.55556C18.1536 1.2813 15.0922 0.000728379 11.8974 0C7.07087 0.0634513 2.74747 2.99972 0.909001 7.46284C-0.929469 11.926 0.0714571 17.0555 3.45297 20.5\" transform=\"translate(28.513916 45.277832)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M10.7222 10.7222C11.8887 9.53596 12.5464 7.94146 12.5556 6.27778C12.5524 4.61291 11.8937 3.01626 10.7222 1.83333C9.53596 0.666853 7.94146 0.00912196 6.27778 0C2.81066 0 0 2.81066 0 6.27778C0 9.7449 2.81066 12.5556 6.27778 12.5556C7.94146 12.5464 9.53596 11.8887 10.7222 10.7222\" transform=\"translate(29.133545 25.888916)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481C10.4138 33.8435 19.171 34.7148 25.7445 30.3285C32.3181 25.9423 34.8751 17.5216 31.8505 10.2207C28.8259 2.91987 21.0629 -1.2254 13.3134 0.322223C5.5638 1.86984 -0.0115332 8.67882 1.79156e-05 16.5814C0.00641242 20.9561 1.74408 25.1505 4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481\" transform=\"translate(48.855713 15.751953)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n<\/svg>\r\n<\/span><\/div><\/p><\/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":212,"menu_order":24,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","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":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=217"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/217\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}