Understanding perforated eardrum: causes, symptoms & treatment

A perforated eardrum, also known as a ruptured eardrum, is a small hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates your ear canal from your middle ear. While it may sound serious, this condition is quite common and often heals naturally within a few weeks.

At Leightons, we understand how worrying ear pain, discharge, or hearing changes can feel. Our friendly audiologists are here to check your ear health safely, explain what’s happening, and guide you toward the right treatment and support.

What is a perforated eardrum?

Your eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a delicate layer of tissue that vibrates when sound waves reach it, helping you hear clearly. It also protects the middle ear from bacteria, water, and debris.

When the eardrum becomes torn or punctured, sound transmission is affected, and the middle ear is left more vulnerable to infection. The size of the perforation can vary - from a small pinhole to a larger tear - but most heal naturally without long-term problems.

What causes a perforated eardrum?

Several different factors can lead to a perforated eardrum, including:

  • Ear infections: Fluid build-up from a middle ear infection can cause pressure to rise until the eardrum ruptures.
  • Sudden pressure changes (barotrauma): During air travel, scuba diving, or rapid altitude changes.
  • Injury: Inserting objects such as cotton buds into the ear canal.
  • Loud noises: Sudden explosions or blasts can damage the eardrum.
  • Head trauma: A blow to the head or ear may cause a rupture.

Most perforations are minor and heal on their own, but it’s important to get your ears checked to prevent infection or further damage.

Common symptoms of a perforated eardrum

The symptoms of a perforated eardrum can vary depending on the cause and severity. You may notice:

  • Sudden sharp ear pain, which may ease once the eardrum ruptures
  • Hearing loss or muffled sounds
  • Fluid or pus discharge from the ear
  • Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sound)
  • Dizziness or balance issues

If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to have your ear examined by a professional to ensure it heals properly and to avoid complications such as infection.

How is a perforated eardrum diagnosed and treated?

A perforated eardrum can be diagnosed through a simple otoscope examination - a quick, painless way for an audiologist or GP to look inside your ear.

Treatment depends on the size and cause of the tear:

  • Small perforations usually heal naturally within a few weeks.
  • Antibiotic ear drops or oral medication may be prescribed if infection is present.
  • Avoid getting water in the ear until it has healed fully.
  • Never insert cotton buds or objects into the ear canal.
  • In persistent cases, surgery (myringoplasty) may be needed to repair the eardrum and restore hearing.

Most people recover completely, and hearing usually returns to normal once the eardrum has healed.

Recovery and self-care tips

Taking care of your ears during recovery helps ensure proper healing:

  • Keep your ear dry when showering or bathing. You can use a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly as protection.
  • Avoid swimming or flying until your healthcare provider says it’s safe.
  • Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relief, if needed.
  • Follow up with hearing checks to confirm your hearing has returned to normal.

Healing time can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the size of the tear and whether infection was present.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we provide safe and thorough ear health checks to detect signs of eardrum damage, fluid build-up, or infection. Our experienced audiologists can:

  • Examine your ears using specialist tools to check for perforations.
  • Perform hearing tests to assess any hearing changes.
  • Refer you to your GP or ENT specialist if medical treatment or surgery is required.
  • Offer follow-up hearing assessments after healing to ensure full recovery.

We’re here to help you protect your hearing, support recovery, and feel confident in your ear health.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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