Treatment for Eardrum Perforations in Palm Harbor, FL
A perforated eardrum, also known as a ruptured eardrum or a tympanic membrane perforation, is a hole or tear in the tissue between your ear canal and eardrum. This tissue, called the tympanic membrane, is incredibly thin and delicate, and when pierced it can cause a wide range of symptoms from moderate discomfort to hearing loss.
If you're experiencing symptoms of a perforated eardrum, call Gulfcoast Ear, Nose & Throat at (727) 942-4005 to schedule an appointment office in Palm Harbor, just a short drive from Tarpon Spring, Largo, Dunedin, East Lake, Clearwater, and Tampa, FL. ENT Specialist Jose A. Berrios, MD is board-certified and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and has extensive experience treating perforated eardrums.
Causes
Typically, a perforated ear drum is the result of an injury, infection, or chronic disorder of the ear. Most often you will see perforated eardrums caused by:
- An object pushed too far into the ear canal
- A head trauma such as a skull fracture
- Loud sounds or blasts
- An infection of the middle ear
- Barotrauma (severe air pressure that is typically exerted during air travel)
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an ear drum perforation include:
- Significant ear pain
- Ringing or buzzing in your ear
- Vertigo (may also cause nausea)
- Temporary hearing loss
- Drainage from the ear in the form of blood, pus, or a clear and watery fluid
Treatment
There are several ways to treat a perforated eardrum. The form of treatment usually depends on the exact cause of the eardrum perforation. For example, infections that cause a perforation of the eardrum are usually treated using antibiotics.
It is not always necessary to treat a perforated eardrum since they may be able to heal on their own over time. However, it is still very important to seek the advice of an ENT specialist since an eardrum perforation can lead to very serious complications such as permanent hearing loss. Common treatments for a more serious eardrum perforation include:
- Antibiotics
- Patching of the eardrum
- Surgery
Ear & Hearing Services from Gulfcoast ENT
Reviewed by the board-certified ENT doctor at Gulfcoast Ear, Nose, & Throat
Still have questions? Ask our ENT doctor!
