Complete Care for a Perforated Eardrum

A perforated or ruptured eardrum, also known as a tympanic membrane perforation, is a hole in your eardrum that can affect your hearing and balance. If it doesn’t get the attention it needs, it can lead to ear infections, or long-term hearing loss or dizziness. 

As one of the nation’s most comprehensive ear, nose and throat (ENT) programs, we offer the latest treatments for eardrum ruptures. We provide audiology (hearing), vestibular (balance), speech-language and other therapies at the same location. Our expert team of doctors and therapists work to give you complete care and personal attention. 

What Is Tympanic Membrane Perforation?

What Are Ruptured Eardrum Symptoms?  

A perforated eardrum can be caused by repeated or severe middle ear infections, air pressure changes, foreign objects (such as a cotton swab), a hard blow to the ear or skull, or loud noises (such as a nearby explosion).  

The most common symptoms of an eardrum perforation are: 

• Dizziness 
• Pus or blood drainage from your ear  
• Sharp ear pain 
• Sudden hearing loss 

How Are Eardrum Perforations Treated? 

Many eardrum ruptures heal on their own in a few weeks and don’t need treatment. But sometimes, they need attention, depending on the size, symptoms or cause of the rupture.  

Treatment may include: 

• A patch with medicine placed over the hole 
• Surgery that uses a graft (tissue taken from another area of your body) to fill the hole 

Your doctor will discuss your treatment options and recommend the best approach for healing.