A perforation of the eardrum is a tear in it.
A tear in the eardrum can be painful, but they usually heal within a few weeks. Sometimes doctors perform surgery to close the hole if they do not heal.
The eardrum, a thin skin-like piece of tissue stretched tightly – like a percussion instrument – across the opening in the middle ear between the canal and the middle part.
The outer ear sends vibrations into the eardrum, which causes it to vibrate. The inner and middle ears convert the vibrations into signals that are perceived by the brain as sounds.
A ruptured eardrum cannot vibrate as effectively as it should. Hearing problems can result, but are usually temporary.
What causes a perforated eardrum?
There are many things that can damage an eardrum.
- If you stick anything in the ears, it can cause infection or damage to eardrums or the canal. Cotton swabs can be useful for grooming, but shouldn’t be used on the ears to remove earwax. For Ear Wax Removal Swindon, visit https://www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/swindon/
- Sudden changes in pressure (barotraumas). Air pressure in the middle ear is usually in balance with the surrounding pressure. Driving up a mountain, or diving can all cause sudden pressure changes that can rupture the eardrum.
- Acoustic Trauma. Extremely loud sounds, such as an explosion, may create sound waves powerful enough to cause damage. Loud sounds can also cause permanent or temporary cochlea damage.
- Blows to the ear, or serious injuries to the head area from a car accident can cause the skull to fracture and the eardrums to tear.
- Pinna or outer ear damage. An open hand slap, or anything that applies pressure on the ears can cause the eardrum to tear.
- Ear Infections. Any build up of fluid behind the eardrum can be caused by an infection in the middle or inner ear. The eardrum can burst.