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Perforated eardrum

A perforated eardrum is an opening in the thin membrane between the ear canal and middle ear. It may result from an ear infection, a pressure difference, a loud bang or an object in the ear. Many small tears heal by themselves, but the ear must stay dry, and sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, head injury or persistent discharge needs prompt assessment.

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  • A ruptured or perforated eardrum is an opening in the membrane separating the ear canal from the middle ear. It may cause pain, hearing loss, ringing or other sounds in the ear (tinnitus), and fluid or blood from the ear.
  • The most common causes are a middle ear infection, an object in the ear, a blow or loud bang, and a rapid change in air or water pressure.
  • Many small uncomplicated perforations close by themselves within weeks. Protection from water and further pressure helps recovery, but medical follow-up remains important.
  • Do not choose ear drops yourself. Some products safe with an intact eardrum may damage the inner ear when there is an opening.
  • Severe dizziness, sudden major hearing loss, facial weakness or head injury may indicate more extensive damage and needs prompt assessment.

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Ear dischargeEar discharge means fluid, pus, blood or clear fluid is coming from the ear. Possible causes include a middle-ear infection with a hole in the eardrum, ear canal inflammation, a perforated eardrum, a foreign body or injury. Rarely, very clear watery fluid after head trauma may indicate leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Keep the ear dry, avoid cotton buds and do not start ear drops without knowing what is wrong.
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Noise-induced hearing lossLoud noise can temporarily or permanently damage hair cells in the inner ear. Muffled hearing or tinnitus after noise is a warning sign. Sudden major hearing loss, severe dizziness or ear injury after a loud bang needs assessment the same day.
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Sudden hearing lossSudden hearing loss in one or both ears can result from earwax or middle ear problems, but also acute damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. Unexplained sudden sensorineural hearing loss needs medical and ENT assessment the same day; early steroids may be appropriate.