Overview
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates your ear canal from your middle ear. While some heal on their own, others may lead to recurrent infections and hearing loss if left untreated.
Common symptoms
- Sudden ear pain that may quickly subside
- Mucus-filled, pus-filled or bloody drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss (conductive)
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
When to see an ENT
- You notice drainage from your ear
- Persistent hearing loss after an ear injury or infection
- Recurrent ear infections associated with a known perforation
- Dizziness or balance issues
What we do
- Ear examination under a microscope for detailed visualization
- Hearing tests (audiogram) to assess the degree of hearing loss
- Cleaning of any infected discharge (microsuction)
Treatment options
- Observation: Small holes may heal spontaneously; keep the ear dry
- Medicated ear drops if infection is present
- Tympanoplasty: A surgical procedure to repair the hole in the eardrum