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Causes of a Ruptured Ear Drum

The eardrum is a thin layer of tissue located in the ear canal that protects the middle and inner ear. Its name comes from its appearance, similar to a drum, and function, it sends vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear. An eardrum can be ruptured, or perforated, leaving a hole or tear that exposes the inner and middle ear to possible infections or damage.

  1. Middle Ear Infection

    • Ear infections are usually caused by a type of bacterial or viral upper respiratory infection, like a cold, that spreads to the ear. An infection in the middle ear may result in an accumulation of fluid that stretches the eardrum until it ruptures. A middle ear infection is the most common cause of a ruptured eardrum. Symptoms of an infection include earache, fever and reduced hearing. Seek early treatment for a middle ear infection immediately when you become aware of these symptoms, as early detection could prevent rupture.

    Trauma

    • Trauma, such as very loud noises and a great amount of air pressure, can cause a ruptured eardrum. Acoustic trauma, from loud noises, results in damage when the noise is so great it creates a sound wave that overpowers the eardrum. Barotrauma, from air pressure, occurs when there is an imbalance between the air pressure within the air, and the air pressure outside of the ear. Objects inserted into the ear, often for cleaning, can also tear and rupture the eardrum. Preventive techniques for trauma include the use of ear plugs around loud noises, avoiding air travel when suffering from a cold, using pressure equalizing ear plugs during takeoff and landing during air travel and avoiding the use of objects, such as cotton swabs, to clean the ears.

    Moisture Trapped in the Ear

    • Moisture trapped in the ear, commonly know as swimmer's ear, normally occurs after a person swims, bathes or showers, and water enters and remains in the ear canal. The trapped water causes the naturally occurring bacteria in the ear to multiply, leading to an infection. Untreated, the infection spreads to other areas of the ear, including the eardrum, and can cause the the eardrum to rupture. The beginning phase of swimmer's ear can be treated with a careful cleaning of the ear canal and prescription ear drops to control the bacteria. For more severe cases, a person's health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to inhibit the bacteria and stop the infection.

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