Ruptured Eardrum

What are the treatments for the condition?

When a hole in the eardrum is diagnosed, it is important to take the following steps.

Most ruptures caused by trauma, ear infections, and ear tubes will heal on their own. But some ruptures may require surgery. Patches of paper or fat are used to repair small holes. For larger holes, tissue is usually taken from the chewing muscle located in the temple. This tissue is then placed under the eardrum or on its surface. It acts as a scaffold for the drum to heal over.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia. Ear surgery may also cause hearing impairment.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If treatment is successful, the protective barrier effect of the eardrum is restored. The person's hearing returns to a completely normal state.

How is the condition monitored?

Hearing should improve as the hole closes. If this does not happen, there may be another rupture. Anyone with a known rupture who gets water in the middle ear should use antibiotic eardrops to prevent an ear infection.

A person who has continued or recurrent episodes of ear drainage may have a chronic ear infection. The healthcare provider should be consulted. Any other new or worsening symptoms should also be reported to the provider.