Can A Ruptured Eardrum Heal By Itself?

A perforated eardrum is a medical condition in which there is a hole or opening in the eardrum. The eardrum is also known as the tympanic membrane. The severity of the perforation varies from a small pinpoint opening to the loss of the whole eardrum.

A perforated eardrum often heals on its own without the need for medical attention. If a hole is formed, the body tries to heal it. But if the perforated eardrum doesn't heal on its own or if the size of the hole hasn't gotten any smaller in the last two months, it needs proper medical treatment.

Leaving a perforated eardrum on its own is not a good idea at all. Because the chances of complications such as hearing loss and infection in the middle of the ear are high.

If a perforated eardrum doesn't heal on its own, you should consult an ENT specialist doctor, get your eardrum diagnosed and treated on time.

Treatment For Perforated Eardrum

Several treatment options are there for a perforated eardrum, which includes the following:-

1. Sometimes Treatment Is Not Needed

A perforated eardrum usually heals on its own within 6-8 weeks. But if it doesn't heal itself or if there is an infection or risk of developing an infection in the middle of the ear while the eardrum is healing, then the doctor prescribes antibiotics.

You should avoid water getting into your ear while it's healing as it increases the chances of developing infections. That's the reason, the doctor usually advises the patients to put cotton or similar material into their ear especially when they take shower or wash their hair. Also, it's best to completely avoid swimming until the eardrum is totally healed.

1. Medication For Perforated Eardrum

A perforated eardrum sometimes gets infected and requires antibiotics. Some ear drops also damage the nerve supply to the ear. Looking at the possible complications and side effects, the doctor selects the type of medicines and ear drops that don't have this risk. Medication can also help treat a perforated eardrum.

1. Surgery For Perforated Eardrum

You need surgery when a perforated eardrum doesn't heal on its own or medications don’t prove to be effective in treating the condition. Two types of surgical procedures are used to treat the problem. They are called a myringoplasty and a tympanoplasty. The perforated eardrum can be easily and successfully fixed with these surgeries.

However, tympanoplasty is the most preferred and considered the best surgery for a perforated eardrum. During the surgical treatment, the tissue is mostly taken and used as grafting to close the perforation.

Usually, fascia tissue is laid to the ear that later heals as the new eardrum. Most doctors use fascia tissue to patch the hole of the eardrum. However, some doctors may use other tissues such as veins, perichondrium, periosteum, or cadaver depending upon the severity and requirement.

How To Prevent Ruptured Eardrum?

Following are the tips that you can use to avoid a ruptured eardrum.

1. Get Treatment For Middle Ear Infection

First, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection. The symptoms of middle ear infection include earache, fever, nasal congestion, and reduced hearing.

Children with middle ear infections are often fussy and may refuse to eat. If you experience such symptoms, you should consult with your primary care doctor so that potential damage to the eardrum can be prevented on time.

1. Protect Your Ear During Flight

If you have a cold or an active allergy that causes nasal or ear congestion, don't travel on flights. However, if you do so, keep your ears clear with pressure-equalizing ear plugs, yawning, or chewing gum during take offs and landings.

1. Don't Put Anything Inside The Ears

Avoid digging out excess or hardened ear wax with items such as a cotton swab, paper clip, or hairpin. Because these items can easily tear or puncture the eardrum. Also, teach your children about the damage that can be caused by putting these objects in their ears.

If you have a perforated eardrum, an ENT specialist doctor can advise you which method of treatment is best for you after diagnosing the complication.

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