Perforated eardrum

Updated: 2023-01-31

Overview

A hole or tear in the eardrum, called a perforated eardrum, can lead to hearing loss. Causes of the condition may include a middle ear infection; fast pressure changes, such as from air travel; or loud sounds. It can also be caused by a foreign object in the ear or severe head trauma.

Symptoms

Symptoms include sharp ear pain that goes away quickly, drainage from the ear, ringing in the ear, a spinning feeling, or hearing loss.

Treatments

The condition usually heals without treatment within a few weeks. A health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if there's an infection. If the eardrum doesn't heal on its own, a provider may suggest an eardrum patch or surgery.