Perforated eardrum: a risk for those who like to clean their ears

A ruptured eardrum is an infection in the middle ear that is caused by behaviors where the ear may be itchy. Patients therefore use an earpick or cotton swab to poke into the ear canal to relieve the itch. If done incorrectly or accidentally and swirled too hard, there is a risk of a ruptured eardrum.

What are the symptoms of a ruptured eardrum?

• High fever, feeling unwell, nausea and vomiting

• After relieving the itching in the ear, I immediately feel pain or soreness inside the ear.

• Decreased hearing ability 

• There is fluid draining from the ear, which may be pus, clear fluid, or blood.

• If the symptoms are severe, it may result in facial distortion.

What causes a ruptured eardrum? 

• Middle ear infection 

• Otitis media caused by fluid buildup in the ear

• Inserting foreign objects into the ear, such as cotton swabs, ear picks, etc. 

• Ears are injured by accidents, impacts, and pressure. 

• Being in a place or situation that is excessively noisy

Complications of perforated eardrum

If the ear is torn or perforated, germs โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที can easily enter the ear, leading to infection. If the infection is severe, it can cause facial paralysis or distortion. However, severe infections are rare. In addition, a tear or perforation of the ear can cause an infection in the inner ear. The patient may experience dizziness, vertigo, or hearing loss. 

Diagnosis of perforated eardrum 

• Test the patient’s hearing with a tuning fork to see if the patient’s ability to hear sounds is normal.

• Test the function of the middle ear to see how the eardrum responds.

• Laboratory examination by collecting a sample of the discharged fluid and sending it for examination or culture in a laboratory. 

How to treat a ruptured eardrum

Most patients with a perforated eardrum will recover on their own within a few weeks, but it can take up to 3 months, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the cause. Doctors may use the following treatment methods to treat patients:

• Treatment involves sealing the eardrum. The doctor will use paper to seal the torn ear canal, which may require several attempts to heal completely.

• Treated by eardrum grafting surgery, the doctor will use tissue from another part of the eardrum to cover the perforated eardrum. 

Prevention of ruptured eardrums

• Avoid blowing your nose hard. 

• Do not insert foreign objects or any objects into the ear canal.

• If you have a fever, ear pain, or decreased hearing, see a doctor immediately.

• If you have to be in a place with very loud noise, wear earmuffs to protect and reduce the noise you hear.