Eardrum Perforation
Overview
Eardrum perforation refers to a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear. Another medical name for eardrum is tympanic eardrum. The middle ear is connected to the nose by the Eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure in the middle ear.
There are several signs and symptoms of a perforated eardrum including:
- Ear pain
- Hearing change or loss
- Fluid or blood draining from the ear
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
Following reasons are responsible for the onset of eardrum perforation including:
- Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi
- Infections causing pressure on eardrum
- Accident
- Blast waves
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Lightning blasts
Following treatment options are available for eardrum perforation:
- As most perforated eardrum injuries heal on their own within few weeks, treatment may include analgesics to reduce pain and antibiotics to prevent infection
- Myringoplasty – This is a surgical procedure done to treat a perforated eardrum when it fails to heal on its own. It involves using a piece of grafted skin taken from another part of the anatomy and placing and securing it over the hole.