EAR DRUMS

EAR DRUMS

  January 01, 2025    Admin ✓

---

Symptoms and How to Prevent Ruptured Eardrums

The eardrum is the most important structure in the ear that acts as a barrier between the outer ear and the middle ear. It also plays a very important role in the hearing process by vibrating the sounds received into the middle ear. A ruptured or torn eardrum can cause serious hearing problems and can also affect quality of life.

Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum

• Ear Pain: Sharp or dull pain in the ear is the main symptom of a ruptured eardrum. This pain may be accompanied by discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Hearing Loss: The impact of a ruptured eardrum is hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss varies depending on how severe the damage is.
• Fluid Draining from the Ear: A ruptured eardrum often causes fluid to drain from the ear. This fluid may be pus, blood, or clear fluid, depending on the cause of the rupture.

Causes of a Ruptured Eardrum

• Ear Infection (Otitis Media): Middle ear infection or otitis media is one of the main causes of a ruptured eardrum. This infection causes a buildup of pus in the middle ear, which can press on and rupture the eardrum.
• Sudden Ear Pressure: Sudden changes in pressure, such as when flying, diving, or experiencing a loud explosion, can cause the eardrum to rupture. This is often known as barotrauma or pressure trauma.
• Physical Trauma: Direct injury to the ear, such as being hit by a hard object or a blow to the ear, can rupture the eardrum. This also includes inserting a foreign object into the ear the wrong way.
• Sinus Infection or Flu: A sinus infection or flu can cause fluid and pressure to build up in the middle ear, which can eventually lead to a ruptured eardrum.

How to Prevent a Ruptured Eardrum

1. Protect Your Ears from Increased Pressure

• Use Ear Protection When Flying: When flying, use earplugs or the gum-chewing technique to help equalize the pressure in your ears and prevent barotrauma.
• Avoid Diving in Unhealthy Conditions: If you dive, make sure you do so using the correct technique and do not have an active ear or sinus infection.

2. Watch Out for Ear Infections

• Treat Infections Immediately: If you experience symptoms of an ear infection such as pain, discharge, or hearing loss, consult a doctor immediately to get proper treatment and prevent complications.
• Maintain Respiratory Health: Treating a sinus infection or cold can help prevent fluid buildup and pressure in the ear that can damage the eardrum.

3. Avoid Ear Trauma

• Do Not Use Harmful Cleaning Tools: Avoid using cotton buds or other ear cleaning tools that can damage the eardrum. Use gentle and safe cleaning methods.
• Protect Ears from Injury: If you participate in physical activities that have the potential to cause ear injury, use appropriate ear protectors or protection.

4. Use Ear Drops with Caution

• Follow Directions for Use: If you need to use ear drops, be sure to follow the directions for use carefully. Do not use ear drops if you are unsure whether your eardrum is intact.

First Aid Steps for a Bursted Eardrum

1. Avoid Putting Objects Into the Ear

• Do Not Use Cotton Buds: Avoid inserting any objects into the ear that may cause further irritation or worsen the condition.

2. Prevent Additional Infections

• Keep Moist: Avoid exposing the affected ear to water to prevent additional infection. Use ear protection when showering or swimming if necessary.

3. Take Pain Relief Medication

• Painkillers: You can take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce ear pain until you get medical treatment.