The Mayo Clinic says that a perforated eardrum, also known as a ruptured eardrum, refers to a hole or tear that occurs in the thin tissue that divides the ear canal from the middle portion of the ear. Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include a sudden sharp ear pain that goes away, hearing loss, clear or bloody drainage from the ear, a spinning sensation and vomiting or nausea. Sometimes, an infection or ear trauma can lead to a perforated eardrum. Fortunately, the causes of a perforated eardrum are treatable.
Ear Infection
An ear infection, medically known as otitis media, can develop in the inner ear and lead to a perforated ear drum. The Mayo Clinic says that children typically stop developing ear infections by the time they are 4 or 5 years old but adults can still develop ear infections.
Specific symptoms of an ear infection include hearing loss, ringing in the ears, earaches, headaches, irritability, fever, dizziness and tugging at the ears.
Swelling of tubes in the ears (Eustachian tubes) that are supposed to drain fluid can lead to ear infections. Sometimes, swelling of tissues near the Eustachian tubes called adenoids can lead to ear infections.
Treatment for ear infection involves monitoring the individual suffering from ear infections. Sometimes, antibiotic medications are given to children less than 6 months old and to adults and children who have had two or more ear infections in the past month, says the Mayo Clinic. Ear tubes can also be placed in the ears to help drain any fluid.
Ear Barotrauma
MedlinePlus says that ear barotrauma refers to a medical problem in which the pressure in the eardrum is different than the pressure outside of the eardrum. Chronic barotrauma can lead to a perforated eardrum.
Symptoms of ear barotrauma include hearing loss, dizziness and ear pain or fullness or stuffiness. Ear barotrauma can also lead to nosebleeds and pressure in the ears.
Barotrauma typically occurs with changes in altitude such as when flying or scuba diving. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked because of the pressure difference. Also, people suffering from allergies, colds or upper-respiratory infections can also suffer from ear barotrauma.
Chewing gum, yawning and taking medications such as antihistamines, decongestants or steroids may lead to ear barotrauma. Sometimes inserting a tube into the eardrums can help manage barotrauma.
Acoustic Trauma
Acoustic trauma can also lead to a perforated eardrum. MedlinePlus says that acoustic trauma occurs as a result of loud noises. Specific symptoms of acoustic trauma include hearing loss that can involve high-pitched sounds and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Gunshot sounds, explosions and chronic exposure to loud noises can lead to acoustic trauma.
Unfortunately, the hearing loss may be untreatable. However, hearing aids may be helpful.
