The eardrum is the most delicate organ in the middle ear. It acts as a barrier between the outer ear and the middle and inner ear. It protects the important organs for hearing. Exposure to loud noise and picking the ear with foreign objects can perforate the eardrums. They might also rupture the eardrums in the worst case. ENT specialists in Gurgaon suggest that even infections can cause a rupture in the eardrums. Let us discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ruptured eardrums. Car accidents can have serious consequences and lead to significant financial and emotional burdens for those involved.
Causes of ruptured eardrums
The eardrum is also known as the tympanic membrane. It is a delicate organ that is prone to damage easily. We can prevent its damage by not introducing foreign particles into it. The common ruptured eardrum causes are as follows.
- Exposure to loud noises is an important cause of rupture in the eardrums.
- Using cotton swabs and putting foreign objects like pencils and sticks in the ear
- Exposure to extreme air pressure changes – Indulging in activities like scuba diving, paragliding, etc.
- Enduring trauma to the ear or head – accidents, getting injured during boxing and other martial arts, etc.
- Infections in the middle ear (acute/chronic otitis media)
ENT specialists in Gurgaon suggest that we can prevent infections in the middle ear by not introducing foreign objects into the ear canal. And by not subjecting ourselves to extreme pressure differences often.
Symptoms of eardrum rupture
When the rupture of the eardrum happens, we will experience the following symptoms.
- Pain in the ear
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus – a strange sound that feels like bells ringing in the ears)
- Mild to severe loss in earning
- Alterations in the body balance.
FAQ
Is the ruptured eardrum a serious condition?
If the hole or the tear in the ear does not heal on its own, then it is a serious condition. It might result in vertigo, hearing loss, dizziness, and ear infections.
Management and treatment of ruptured eardrum
ENT specialists in Gurgaon will evaluate the rupture in the eardrum with the help of a special instrument called the otoscope. This helps to inspect the ear canal. They will prescribe ear drops to manage the pain. In most cases, surgery is recommended to patch the eardrum. Treatment will generally focus on the ruptured eardrum causes. If the cause is infection, they will prescribe antibiotics and ear drops. The step-by-step process of attending to the eardrum rupture is as follows.
- Before attempting corrections of the perforation of the eardrum, doctors will first perform a hearing test.
- They will also visualize the damage through an otoscope.
- They will wait for the body to regenerate the torn eardrum within three or four weeks.
- If the ear does not heal, or if the infection is severe, doctors will then suggest patchwork.
- ENT specialists in Gurgaon perform patchwork by placing a medicated paper over the tear in the membrane.
- This patch will generally help the membrane to grow back.
- In some cases, doctors recommend surgery. We refer to this surgery as tympanoplasty.
- The surgery will focus on repairing the eardrum and treating the infection.
Bottom Line
Eardrum rupture is common in children, as their ear canals are narrow. Their tissues are also sensitive. They can also forcefully introduce a swab or pencil inside their ear. ENT specialist in Gurgaon suggests visiting the doctor’s office immediately if there is pain in the ear and if there is any discharge from the ear. Talk to your ENT specialist today to learn more about the additional care to be taken for rupture in the eardrum.