A perforated (burst) eardrum is a hole in your eardrum. It will usually heal on its own within 6 weeks if you keep water out of your ear. You may not need any treatment.
But it's a good idea to contact your GP if you think your eardrum has burst. It can cause problems such as ear infections.
Symptoms of a perforated eardrum
Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include:
- sudden hearing loss - difficult to hear anything or slightly muffled hearing
- earache or pain in your ear
- itching in your ear
- clear or bloody fluid leaking from your ear
- high temperature of 38 degrees or above
- ringing or buzzing in your ear (tinnitus)
The symptoms will usually pass when your eardrum has healed or any infection has been treated.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- you think you have a perforated eardrum
- your symptoms are not any better after a few weeks
- you have symptoms such as earache, a fever, itching or fluid leaking from your ear
Treatment for a perforated eardrum
Your eardrum will usually heal on its own without treatment if you keep water out of your ear.
But a GP may check for an ear infection. They'll look into your ear using a small handheld torch with a magnifying lens (otoscope). This should not hurt.
Your GP may prescribe antibiotics if you have an ear infection.
Your GP may refer you to an ear specialist if the hole in your eardrum:
- is big
- does not heal in a few weeks
They will talk to you about having surgery to repair your perforated eardrum.
Things you can do if you have a perforated eardrum
There are some things you can do to:
- help heal a perforated eardrum
- ease your symptoms
- lower your chances of getting an ear infection
Do
-
hold a warm cloth against your ear to help ease any pain
-
take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen - do not give aspirin to children under 16
Don't
-
do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds or eardrops (unless your GP recommends them)
-
do not go swimming or get water in your ear when you shower or wash your hair
-
do not blow your nose too hard - this can damage your eardrum as it heals
Causes of a perforated eardrum
A hole in your eardrum can be caused by:
- an ear infection
- an injury - such as a blow or putting an object like a cotton bud too deep into your ear
- changes in pressure, such as while flying or scuba diving
- a sudden loud noise, such as an explosion
Preventing a perforated eardrum
There are things you can do to avoid damaging your eardrum.
Do
-
wear suitable ear protection if you're exposed to explosive noises often
-
try swallowing, yawning, chewing gum or sucking on a boiled sweet during take-off and landing when you're flying
Don't
-
do not push anything deep into your ears, including your fingers
-
do not use cotton buds to clean your ears
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP for treatment if:
- you have symptoms of an ear infection for more than 3 days
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
