Burst eardrum

Overview

Never put cotton swabs in the ear.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Ear pain then drainage, or after a blast or injury
• Fluid or blood draining from the ear, or a burst eardrum

Less common

• Muffled hearing
• Ringing

When to get medical care

Causes

Infection, injury, pressure.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Ear infections

Possible complications

• Hearing loss

Diagnosis

A clinician looks in the ear.

Questions you may be asked

• Injury, infection

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Hearing test: If not healing.

Treatment

Protect the ear.

Self-care

• Keep water out: cotton with petroleum jelly when showering
• No swimming until healed
• Don't put drops in unless prescribed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent:

• No swabs in ears

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most heal.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Burst eardrum