If you feel a sudden pain in your ear that feels like something nearby exploded, then it’s possible that you have ruptured eardrum. This happens when there is a tear in the tissue that separates your ear canal and eardrum.
A ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment. But sometimes it requires a patch or surgical repair to heal.
Possible causes:
- When the fluids in your ear accumulate, exerting pressure and causing middle ear infection (otitis media)
- A change in air pressure (i.e scuba diving or flying a plane) that exerts stress on your eardrum, otherwise known as Barotrauma
- Placing cotton swabs or other foreign objects too deep in your ear.
- Severe head trauma that may also affect your earsLoud sounds, such as explosions or music, that emit powerful sound waves
If left untreated, a ruptured eardrum may lead to:
- Middle ear infection
- Tinnitus, or ringing in your ears
- Hearing loss
- Middle ear cyst
How to provide temporary relief for a ruptured eardrum:
- Avoid blowing your ear
- Avoid making physical contact with your ear canal
- Cover your ears with clean hands
Contact your ENT doctor immediately. If a consultation is not readily available, visit your nearest hospital for immediate care.
Treatment Aftercare
Keep your ears dry as much as possible. Avoid swimming or placing foreign objects, such as ear buds, in your ear. Protect your ear with a shower cap when taking a bath.
Preventing a Ruptured Eardrum
Whenever you fly at high altitudes, make sure to protect your ears. Keep your ears clear during takeoff and landing by wearing pressure-equalizing ear plugs, yawning, or chewing gum. Sleeping while ascending or descending is strongly discouraged.
It is also advisable to wear earplugs when diving under low pressure. As an alternative, you can use the Valsalva maneuver. This is done by pinching your nostrils and closing your mouth while gently blowing your nose.
Avoid inserting foreign objects into your ear canal. That said, don’t use cotton buds when cleaning your ears. In areas with a high volume of sound, use protective gear such as ear muffs or ear plugs.
Consult your doctor
Your ear health is just as important as the health of the other parts of the body. It’s important that you have regular check ups with a trusted doctor to prevent any ear conditions.
You can visit Hearing Solutions, located in Century Plaza Complex, Juana Osmeña St, Cebu City. You can also visit our Consolacion branch for service. It can be found in the CPG Arcade, on North Road, in Consolacion.
To book an appointment, you can call us at 0932 788 1168 or message us on Facebook.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ruptured-eardrum/symptoms-causes/syc-20351879
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/ruptured-eardrum
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ruptured-eardrum-symptoms-and-treatments
