A ruptured or perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane) occurs when there is a hole or tear in the tympanic membrane that separates the middle ear from the ear canal.
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum can include
- earache,
- dizziness or vertigo,
- pus or drainage from the ear,
- hearing loss,
- ringing in the ear, and a
- decrease in hearing or hearing loss.
Other associated symptoms and signs include
Pain may not be present if the cause is not an infection.
Causes of a ruptured eardrum
Relatively common causes of a ruptured eardrum include
- middle ear infections,
- trauma from car accidents,
- sports injuries, and
- putting foreign objects (like a cotton swab or a bobby pin) in the ear.
Other ruptured eardrum symptoms and signs
- Decrease in Hearing or Hearing Loss
- Dizziness or Vertigo
- Earache
- Hearing Loss
- Nausea
- Pus or Drainage From the Ear
- Ringing in the Ear
- Vomiting
- Whistling Sounds When Sneezing or Blowing the Nose
Main Article on Ruptured Eardrum Symptoms and Signs
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