Characteristic

Did you know that the eardrum can rupture, causing hearing loss? Anyone can experience this condition, so it's best to recognize the signs of a ruptured eardrum. By knowing the characteristics of a ruptured eardrum, you can go to an ENT doctor earlier and get the right treatment.

What is the eardrum

Rupture of the eardrum. Source: Mayo Clinic

You could say without eardrums, you won't be able to hear outside sounds. Yes, this eardrum or tympanic membrane functions to transmit sound vibrations so that it can be picked up by nerves and continued to the brain.

Now, in fact, when the eardrum ruptures, the sound can no longer be properly captured and transmitted to the nerves. So, your hearing ability will be reduced even if the case is severe, you will not be able to hear the sound.

Then, what are the characteristics of a ruptured eardrum?

The characteristics of a ruptured eardrum

Some people don't notice the initial symptoms when the eardrum bursts. Usually people start seeing the doctor after a few days feeling uncomfortable in their ears.

One of the early symptoms that you can detect is the discharge of air from the ear when you exhale. In addition, there are other characteristics of a ruptured eardrum that you can recognize:

• Ear pain that is very sharp and occurs suddenly
• The ear canal is filled with pus or blood
• Hearing loss or reduction in one ear or any area affected
• Feeling ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• There is a sensation of spinning (vertigo)
• Nausea or vomiting due to vertigo
• Dizzy

Treatment for a ruptured eardrum

Usually doctors will prescribe antibiotics in the form of ear drops to prevent ear infections or treat infections if they do exist. If a ruptured eardrum is causing you pain, your doctor may recommend using pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

You can also apply a warm towel over your ear to relieve pain. Apart from drug administration, in some severe cases the doctor also recommends that the patient perform surgery to attach tissue from other parts of the body.

This action is done to stimulate the eardrum tissue to grow and return to normal. Usually, this type of medical procedure will be performed if the eardrum is ruptured badly.

While it is healing, keep the ears dry. That means, you should not swim or dive until the doctor states that your eardrum is healed.

You should also use a shower cap or cotton wool coated with petroleum jelly on the outer ear when showering to allow the ear to dry completely.