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Eardrum rupture or perforation

Very low urgency
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A tear in the fine tissue called the eardrum, which separates the ear canal from the middle ear. It is caused by infection, sudden pressure changes, excessive noise or direct injury. It is diagnosed through medical questioning and confirmed through otoscopy. It usually heals spontaneously, although it may sometimes require surgical intervention. During the time that the tear exists, there is a risk of infection and hearing loss.
Bibliographic references
  1. Orji FT, Agu CC. Determinants of spontaneous healing in traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane. Clin Otolaryngol 2008; 33:420.
  2. Mirza S, Richardson H. Otic barotrauma from air travel. J Laryngol Otol 2005; 119:366.
  3. Wohlgelernter J, Gross M, Eliashar R. Traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane by cotton tipped applicator. J Trauma 2007; 62:1061.
  4. Ameen ZS, Chounthirath T, Smith GA, Jatana KR. Pediatric Cotton-Tip Applicator-Related Ear Injury Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 1990-2010. J Pediatr 2017; 186:124.
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Symptoms

    Discharge of fluid from the ear

    Pus in the ear canal

    Partial hearing loss

    Bleeding through the ear

    Sensation of having liquid inside the ear

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Discharge of whitish fluid (pus)

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
To keep the ear dry, place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in the ear when bathing.
Avoid blowing your nose.
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