Ruptured Eardrum: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ruptured Eardrum?
An ear, nose, and throat doctor, also called an ENT or otolaryngologist, treats a ruptured eardrum. This is most helpful when the hole is large or does not heal on its own. A primary care doctor can look at your ear and start care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a ruptured eardrum?
A ruptured eardrum is an opening or hole in the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin piece of tissue that separates the outer ear and the middle ear. Damage to the eardrum may harm hearing. Other names are perforated eardrum, burst eardrum, and tympanic membrane perforation.
Symptoms
Most of the time, symptoms affect one ear. They can include:
- Drainage from the ear that may be clear, pus, or bloody.
- Hearing loss in the ear. It may not be total.
- Ear noise or buzzing, called tinnitus.
- Earache or ear discomfort. Ear pain may suddenly decrease right after the eardrum ruptures.
- Itching in the ear or a high temperature.
- Weakness of the face or dizziness. These can happen in severe cases.
Causes and who gets it
Ear infections may cause a ruptured eardrum. This happens more often in children. The infection makes pus or fluid build up behind the eardrum. As the pressure grows, the eardrum may break open.
Other causes include a very loud noise close to the ear, such as a gunshot. A fast change in ear pressure, which can happen when flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains, can also do it. So can an object in the ear, an injury such as a powerful slap or an explosion, and cotton-tipped swabs used to clean the ears.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider looks in your ear with an instrument called an otoscope. Sometimes a microscope gives a better view. If the eardrum is ruptured, the provider will see an opening in it. Pus can block the view, so the provider may need to suction the ear. Audiology testing, which is a hearing test, can measure how much hearing was lost.
Treatment
A small hole usually heals on its own, and hearing returns to normal. At home, you can use these steps while it heals:
- Use warm compresses on the ear to ease discomfort.
- Take pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Keep the ear clean and dry. Place cotton balls in the ear while showering, and avoid swimming.
- Do not put anything in the ear unless a doctor says so, and try not to blow your nose too hard.
Your provider may prescribe antibiotics, by mouth or as ear drops, to treat or prevent an infection. Larger holes, or holes that do not heal, may need repair. One repair is tympanoplasty, which patches the eardrum with a piece of your own tissue. Myringoplasty uses gel or special paper to cover smaller holes.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider right away after an eardrum rupture if you:
- Are very dizzy.
- Have a fever, a general ill feeling, or hearing loss.
- Have very bad pain or a loud ringing in your ear.
- Have an object in your ear that does not come out.
- Have symptoms that last longer than 2 months after treatment.
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears needs an urgent appointment. If your pain and symptoms improve after the rupture, you may wait until the next day to see your provider.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at your ear and review your symptoms. They can also check on healing and refer you to an ENT doctor if the eardrum does not heal.
Common questions
How long does a ruptured eardrum take to heal?
A small hole most often heals by itself within 2 months. Hearing loss will be short-term if the eardrum heals completely. Rarely, there can be long-term hearing loss.
Can I swim with a ruptured eardrum?
No, do not swim or get your ear wet until the eardrum heals. Cotton balls in the ear help keep water out while you shower.
Is it safe to fly with a ruptured eardrum?
Yes, it is safe to fly with a perforated eardrum. If you have had surgery to repair it, do not fly until you are told it is safe.
What problems can a ruptured eardrum cause?
Rarely, a ruptured eardrum can lead to other problems. These include long-term hearing loss, long-term dizziness, and a chronic ear infection or drainage. The infection can also spread to the bone behind the ear, called mastoiditis.
How can I prevent a ruptured eardrum?
You can lower your risk by not putting objects in the ear canal, even to clean it. Have ear infections treated right away. Objects stuck in the ear should only be removed by a provider.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
