Your eardrum is a thin, delicate tissue inside the middle ear that amplifies sound waves and protects the inner ear. When it tears, usually from infection, trauma or sudden pressure changes, it’s called a perforated eardrum. Along with muffled hearing, drainage and sometimes dizziness, ear pain can be intense.
Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you care for a ruptured eardrum to promote speedy healing.
How to Care for a Perforated Eardrum
To help promote faster healing, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers. While over-the-counter pain relievers may not speed up healing, they can help manage discomfort. Take them as needed until the pain subsides.
- Keep the ear dry. Normally, your eardrum helps block water from moving further into the ear canal. When it has a hole, it’s less able to do so. Getting water in the ear can increase your risk of damage and slow healing time. Avoid summer swims at the Arvada Blunn Reservoir to protect your ears until your eardrum has healed. When showering, gently place a cotton ball with petroleum jelly in the outer ear to block out water.
- Don’t stick anything in the ears. Cotton swabs can damage the ear canal and eardrum. If your ear feels itchy or damp, turn your head toward the affected ear and gently tug on the earlobe to help water drainage.
- Avoid blowing your nose. Blowing your nose puts pressure on the ears, potentially exacerbating your ruptured eardrum. If you need to blow your nose, do so gently and stop if you feel ear pain.
What To Do if Your Child Has a Perforated Eardrum
Kids tend to get more ear infections, making them more likely to develop a ruptured eardrum. They may not be able to explain the pain, but watch for signs like tugging at the ear, crying more than usual or fluid on their pillow.
To promote easy healing, keep an eye on your child’s symptoms and gently discourage them from sticking their fingers in their ears.
When To Consult a Specialist
If there’s drainage or worsening symptoms, it’s best to see an ENT specialist. We can check for infection or more serious complications and offer treatment, like antibiotic drops, if needed. Contact Advantage ENT & Audiology to schedule your appointment with one of our trusted specialists.