- HEARING LOSSin the affected ear
A tear in the tympanic membrane causes it to
lose tension, which affects hearing as the breach
affects the eardrum’s ability to vibrate. When
infection (OTITIS media) causes the rupture, the
pain of the tear is followed by relief of pain
because the tear releases the fluid that has accu-
mulated in the middle ear behind the tympanic
membrane. Other common causes of ruptured
eardrum include
- exposure to a sudden, loud noise
- BAROTRAUMA(damage from rapid and extreme
changes in pressure) - puncture from a foreign object inserted into the
ear, such as a cotton swab or hair pin (bobby
pin) being used to clean CERUMEN (ear wax)
from the auditory canal
The doctor’s otoscopic examination of the ear,
which allows visualization of the tympanic mem-
brane, confirms the diagnosis. Most ruptured
eardrums heal without intervention in about six
weeks, with hearing gradually improving as the
tympanic membrane regains integrity and tension.
For a large tear, the otolaryngologist may put a
small paper patch over the opening to help protect
the inner ear while the tear heals or may perform
an OPERATION(TYMPANOPLASTY) to repair the dam-
aged eardrum. Earplugs are necessary during
bathing or showering to keep water from entering
the auditory canal during the time the tear is
HEALING. Hearing typically returns when the tear
heals. A potentially significant consequence of
ruptured eardrum is formation of a
CHOLESTEATOMA, a cystlike growth in the inner ear
that can permanently damage hearing.
See also MYRINGITIS; MYRINGOTOMY; OTOSCOPY.48 The Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat