Even a seemingly harmless act, such as cleaning your eardrum can cause an eardrum rupture. It is a tear in the thin tissue that separates your inner ear from your outer ear. The main sign of an eardrum rupture is a sharp pain in your ear, which may disappear. Sometimes, it shows up without symptoms as well. In most cases, a rupture in the eardrum heals on its own within a few weeks, while in some cases, you may need to consult an ENT Specialist like Dr Bakht Aziz to get treatment.
Treatment
A perforated eardrum may resolve on its own in a few weeks. If there is an ear infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers if there is pain. If the rupture doesn’t go away on its own or is getting worse, medical procedures that can help treat it are:
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Patch
The Best ENT specialist in Lahore may need to put a patch on the tear to cover it. It covers the tear and allows it to heal properly.
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Surgery
In rare cases where the tear is large, you may need surgery. The surgery to treat a ruptured eardrum is known as tympanoplasty. This procedure is done by placing a piece of your tissue on the eardrum. It is a simple procedure, and you can go home the next day.
Taking care of your eardrum rupture at home
Take care for your eardrum carefully so that it can heal quickly. Ruptured eardrum can cause complications, such as hearing loss, if it is not cared for. To promote its healing, you need to:
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Keep the area dry
Protect your ear from getting wet as it may hinder the process of healing. Apply petroleum jelly to a cotton ball and place it in your ear. You can also use waterproof silicone earplugs.
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Avoid putting any foreign object in your ear!
Cleaning your ear with a cotton bud can irritate your wound. Give your eardrum time to heal, and do not poke it with any sharp or pointy objects, even if it is to clean them.
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Use warm compresses
You can use a warm, dry compress which can ease the pain without using medication.
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Avoid noise pollution
Try to avoid noisy situations. If you cannot avoid them, wear earplugs when there is a lot of loud noise.
Complications of a ruptured eardrum
If the eardrum does not get better on its own in three to six months, it can lead to complications in some rare cases. These complications include:
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Hearing loss
Hearing loss can occur in some severe cases. It is usually short-term, and your hearing goes back to normal once the eardrum heals.
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Otitis Media
A middle ear infection can occur due to a perforated drum. It occurs when bacteria enter the ear and cause an infection.
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Cholesteatoma
A cyst made up of tissue and debris can form in the middle ear in rare cases. It is known as cholesteatoma, or in simpler words, middle ear cyst. The cyst may also attract bacteria and harm the bones in your ear.
Conclusion
An eardrum rupture can occur when the thin tissue between your eardrum and middle ear. Although it usually gets better on its own after a few weeks, you need to take care of it properly. You can easily tend to it at home. Preventing an eardrum rupture can prevent any complications occurring due to a perforation in your eardrum.