Perforated Eardrum (Tympanic Membrane Injury) in Gurnee & Libertyville
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. It can cause pain, drainage, or hearing loss—but with proper care, most heal on their own. At Lake County ENT, we identify the cause and help your eardrum heal naturally or, if needed, with expert repair.
What it is
A tear or hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) that may cause drainage, hearing loss, or discomfort.
Who it affects
Children and adults with ear infections, injuries, loud noise exposure, or pressure changes (flying, diving).
How we help
Ear exam, hearing test, and treatment options—ranging from natural healing to in-office patching or surgery.
Noticing ear pain, drainage, or sudden hearing loss? We’ll help determine if your eardrum is injured.
Common Causes and Symptoms
- Ear infections: Fluid and pressure buildup can rupture the eardrum.
- Trauma: From Q-tips, objects, or direct blows to the ear.
- Barotrauma: Rapid pressure changes during flying or diving.
- Loud blasts: Explosions or sudden loud noises (acoustic trauma).
- Post-tube opening: Small residual holes after ear tubes fall out.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp ear pain that suddenly stops, followed by drainage
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing in one ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Clear, pus, or bloody discharge from the ear canal
When to call us: New drainage, hearing loss, or persistent ear pain after infection or injury.
Call 911 for severe dizziness, facial weakness, or head trauma with bleeding.
How We Diagnose a Perforated Eardrum
Our Evaluation
- Otoscopy or microscope exam to view the tear
- Review of infection, trauma, or water exposure history
- Hearing test (audiogram) to assess extent of loss
- Assessment for fluid, infection, or cholesteatoma
Tests We May Use
- Tympanogram: Measures eardrum movement and pressure
- CT scan: If trauma or chronic disease is suspected
- Culture: For drainage due to chronic infection
Most eardrum tears heal naturally—but some need help. We’ll determine the right plan for you.
Treatment Options
Conservative Care
- Most small perforations heal within weeks
- Keep the ear dry (use cotton with petroleum jelly while bathing)
- Avoid swimming or inserting anything in the ear
- Antibiotic drops if infection is present
- Follow-up exams to ensure healing progress
Procedures & Surgery
- Patching (myringoplasty): Paper or gel patch placed in-office to stimulate healing
- Tympanoplasty: Surgical repair using patient’s tissue to close the hole
- Improves hearing, prevents infections, and protects middle ear from water
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: Review your symptoms, hearing changes, and history
- Exam & testing: Otoscopy and hearing test
- Plan together: Observation, patching, or tympanoplasty as needed
Good to Know
- Most eardrum tears heal fully with normal hearing restored
- We provide expert repair if healing doesn’t occur naturally
- Protecting the ear from water and trauma prevents reinjury
Concerned about a hole in your eardrum? We’ll help it heal—and restore your hearing safely.
FAQs
Related Topics
Ready to protect your hearing? We’ll make sure your ear heals correctly and comfortably.