Perforated eardrum

Overview

A perforated eardrum may be caused by loud sounds, a foreign object in the ear, head trauma, a middle ear infection, or rapid pressure changes, such as from air travel.

Symptoms

Symptoms include sharp ear pain that subsides quickly, drainage, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or hearing loss.

Treatments

The condition usually heals within a few weeks without treatment. Antibiotics, an eardrum patch, or surgery may be necessary.