Perforated Eardrum in Toddlers

A perforated eardrum, also called a ruptured eardrum, occurs when a hole develops in the tympanic membrane (eardrum) following infection or trauma. Toddlers are particularly susceptible to ear infections that may lead to a perforated eardrum because of their small eustachian tubes, and they may also suffer ear trauma after inserting an object into the ear canal. While the thought of a ruptured eardrum may be scary, most of the time the hole heals without treatment and causes no lasting problems.

Causes

• Fluid from a middle ear infection can sometimes cause enough pressure to make the eardrum rupture. Changes in air pressure also can cause excess pressure on the eardrum. This can happen when a child receives a blow to the ear, or possibly when traveling by airplane. A child also can experience a ruptured eardrum after a very loud sound, such as an explosion or gunshot, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, a severe head injury such as a skull fracture can contribute to a ruptured eardrum.

Symptoms

• When a toddler's eardrum has ruptured, discharge, sometimes including blood, may drain from the ear. The child may complain of ear pain. Often, a ruptured eardrum will cause sharp pain that quickly subsides. If a child has been experiencing pain from an ear infection, he may feel relief after the eardrum bursts. Temporary hearing loss, ringing in the ears and dizziness (which could possibly cause nausea or vomiting) are also possible.

Treatment

• A ruptured eardrum generally heals without treatment within two months, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A toddler's doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, and oral antibiotics or antibiotic eardrops may be prescribed to prevent or treat infection. In rare cases, the eardrum may need to be patched or surgically repaired if it does not heal on its own.

Prevention

• Prompt treatment of ear infections may prevent damage to the eardrum. Avoiding air travel when a child has a cold or congestion may prevent a ruptured eardrum, too. If traveling, yawning during takeoffs and landings may also help, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children should be taught never to insert objects into their ears, and parents should avoid inserting cotton swabs and other objects into the ear canal. Toddlers should always wear proper ear protection if they are around excessively loud noises.

Warning

• Even though a toddler's ruptured eardrum is likely to heal on its own, it is important to consult with a doctor to make sure the eardrum heals as it should and no complications develop.