Ear health guide
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the membrane separating the ear canal from the middle ear. It may follow infection, injury, a loud sound or a pressure change. Symptoms and healing vary, so an examination is important.
Possible symptoms
Hearing change, ear pain, discharge, tinnitus or dizziness can occur. Similar symptoms can have other causes; diagnosis requires examination of the ear and sometimes a hearing test.
Safe precautions before assessment
Keep the ear dry and do not insert cotton buds, oils, drops or other objects unless a clinician who has examined the ear advises them. Avoid self-cleaning or irrigation when a perforation is possible.
Treatment and follow-up
Many perforations heal without an operation, while infection or a persistent perforation may need treatment. If repair is considered, the clinician should explain the purpose, alternatives, individual risks, follow-up and expected recovery without guaranteeing an outcome.
Sources and further reading
This is general educational information. It does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis or medical advice, and it does not guarantee an outcome.