Perforated Eardrum:
Causes, Symptoms, and Care

At Clear Ear Cheer, we’re committed to helping you keep your ears healthy and comfortable.
A perforated eardrum—a hole or tear in the eardrum—can cause discomfort and hearing issues, but it often heals naturally.
Here’s what you need to know about perforated eardrums, how to spot them, and when to seek care to ensure a smooth recovery.

What Is a Perforated Eardrum?
The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear, playing a key role in hearing. A perforation occurs when this membrane develops a hole or tear. While most cases heal on their own within 2 months, it’s important to seek advice to prevent complications like ear infections, especially for care home residents or those with existing ear conditions.

Signs of a Perforated Eardrum
Symptoms of a perforated eardrum can vary but may include:

• Temporary hearing loss in the affected ear

• Earache or discomfort

• Itching inside the ear

• Tinnitus (hearing ringing, buzzing, or other noises)

• Fluid or discharge leaking from the ear

• A fever or high temperature

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, contact your GP to confirm the cause and get appropriate care. Keeping water or other liquids out of the ear is crucial during healing to avoid infections.

What Causes a Perforated Eardrum?
A perforated eardrum can result from:

• Ear infections: Conditions like otitis media can cause pressure build-up, leading to a tear.

• Injury: Trauma, such as a blow to the ear or inserting objects like cotton buds, can damage the eardrum.

• Sudden loud noises: Explosions or other intense sounds can create pressure changes that rupture the eardrum.

• Pressure changes: Rapid shifts in air pressure, such as during air travel, scuba diving, or high-altitude activities, may cause a perforation.
  

How Is a Perforated Eardrum Treated?
Most perforated eardrums heal naturally within 2 months without intervention. However, your GP may recommend:

• Antibiotics: To treat or prevent ear infections during the healing process.

• Monitoring: Regular check-ups to ensure the eardrum is healing properly.

• Surgery: In rare cases, if the eardrum doesn’t heal on its own, a minor procedure called a myringoplasty may be needed to repair the tear.

To support healing and reduce infection risk:

• Keep the ear dry during bathing or swimming (use swim-specific earplugs if needed).

• Avoid inserting anything into the ear, including cotton buds.

• Follow your GP’s advice on pain relief or other care steps.

For more tips on protecting a perforated eardrum, visit the NHS website or ENTUK for expert information.

Supporting Care Home Residents
For care home residents, a perforated eardrum can worsen hearing loss or lead to isolation, particularly for those with dementia or mobility challenges. At Clear Ear Cheer, our mobile ear care services offer clinical ear health checks and safe wax removal to support residents’ wellbeing. We coordinate with GPs and ENT specialists to ensure seamless care, helping residents stay connected and comfortable without leaving the care home.

Our Mission
We’re passionate about bringing clarity and cheer to ear health across the UK, especially in our region Mid & South Essex and Suffolk & North East Essex, where NHS ear care services may be limited. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or care home manager, Clear Ear Cheer is here to provide expert advice and mobile services tailored to your needs. We’re also campaigning for better access to ear health care for all.

If you’re concerned about a perforated eardrum or want to learn how our services can support your care home, contact us or consult your GP for personalised guidance.

Let’s keep your ears healthy!