Recovery From Ruptured Eardrum

A ruptured eardrum usually heals without causing any long-term problems. After your doctor confirms that your eardrum has ruptured, you can take measures at home to relieve discomfort and prevent further ear damage. A ruptured eardrum normally heals within two months. In some cases, you may need medications or medical procedures if you do not recover as expected.

Home Recovery

• You may experience ear discomfort, temporary hearing loss, ringing in the ears, facial weakness or dizziness after your eardrum ruptures, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Relieve your discomfort by placing a warm washcloth over your ear, and use over-the-counter pain medications if you need them. Your eardrum normally protects the inner ear from infection-causing bacteria. When the eardrum is perforated, be careful not to introduce bacteria into the ear. Place a cotton ball in your ear when you shower, bathe or wash your hair to keep water from entering your ear. Do not try to clean your ear while it is healing. Avoid blowing your nose hard, according to the Mayo Clinic; the pressure could cause more damage to your eardrum.

Medical Procedures

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to prevent an ear infection while you recover from a ruptured eardrum. Return to your doctor if you develop fever or feel ill after your eardrum ruptures. You may need oral antibiotics to treat an infection. If discomfort or hearing loss continues for more than two months, you should also see your doctor. Ask your doctor to refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist if your eardrum does not heal on it's own. Your eardrum may need to be patched, or you may need a quick surgery called tympanoplasty, in which a tiny piece of skin is grafted onto the eardrum.

Warning

• See your doctor if you suspect your eardrum has ruptured. While a ruptured eardrum will usually heal without treatment, medical intervention is sometimes necessary to prevent permanent hearing loss or other complications.