The eardrum is the thin layer of tissue that separates the middle ear, and it plays a crucial role in your hearing. If the eardrum is damaged in some way, you run the risk of hearing loss in that ear.
The inner ear is composed of fragile bones and tissue, so any pain or injuries to the ear should be taken seriously. Even something small like a benign tumor, or cholesteatoma, can result in deafness if you don’t see a doctor fast enough.
Another common issue that our ENT specialists see is a ruptured eardrum, and you’d be surprised at how easily and quickly it can happen. In a second, something can cause your eardrum to tear, and you will undoubtedly feel some pain.
Other signs you may have a ruptured eardrum include:
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you need to contact a doctor and get an ear examination to identify if you have a perforated eardrum. Even if you don’t have a perforated eardrum, these symptoms are not normal and you may be diagnosed with another condition.
Due to its delicate structure, there are many reasons an eardrum will develop a tear. This condition can be the result of physical trauma or even just exposure to a loud noise.
The most common causes for a perforated eardrum are:
Some of the above reasons may surprise you, so our ENT specialists explain how the eardrum might rupture in some of these situations.
If you are involved in a fight where someone punches the side of your head, the impact can be so severe that your eardrum ruptures. If this is the case, then you will likely have trouble hearing and maybe experience bleeding from the ear with the injured eardrum. Being in a fight where you get hit this hard increases the chances that you may have other issues, like a concussion.
It’s normal to suffer from sinus congestion and to struggle to find relief, but our doctors urge the public to be careful in the way they try to relieve sinus pressure. You should never plug your nose while you sneeze; sneezing is meant to clear out your sinuses through your nose. If you have pressure built up in your ears and then sneeze while plugging your nose, then the pressure may cause you to blow out your eardrum.
Leaving an ear infection untreated can also result in a perforated eardrum. Signs you may have a middle ear infection include earache, fever, nasal congestion, and trouble hearing. You should never leave an ear infection untreated, as a perforated eardrum can result. This tear in the eardrum can also lead to a worsening infection.
You should try to avoid flying if you have severe sinus congestion, as this can result in your eardrum rupturing during takeoff or landing. If you have to fly, then you should chew gum, wear pressure-managing earplugs, or yawn frequently to help your ears balance out. This can protect you from rupturing your eardrum.
If you work around loud noises, like in construction or the military, make sure to wear proper ear protection at all times. Make sure that your earplugs or earmuffs are industrial-grade, meaning that they aren’t the average product from the store. This can be the difference between protection and permanent hearing loss.
When you visit our office to speak to an ENT doctor in Los Angeles, they will first examine you to be sure that your symptoms are indications of a ruptured eardrum.
In many cases, a ruptured eardrum will heal on its own. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t receive medical attention. Since a perforated eardrum can lead to more serious issues, you should always get it checked out by a doctor. They can prescribe you antibiotics to prevent or treat an ear infection.
Any source of sound sends vibrations or sound waves into the air. These funnel through the ear opening, down the external ear canal, and strike your eardrum, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations are passed to the three small bones of the middle ear, which transmit them to the cochlea. The cochlea contains tubes filled with fluid. Inside one of the tubes, tiny hair cells pick up the vibrations and convert them into nerve impulses. These impulses are delivered to the brain via the hearing nerve. The brain interprets the impulses as sound (music, voice, a car horn, etc.).