Ear Drum Infection

The tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, is a thin tissue located in the middle part of the ear that plays an important role in our hearing process. There are various reasons as to why infection can occur within this part of the ear.

Perforation

• Perforated (or punctured) eardrums are caused primarily by infection. Viruses, bacteria or fungi build up in the space behind the eardrum and the increased pressure pushes against the thin tissue of the eardrum causing it to rupture. Inserting objects into the ear (such as cotton swabs) can also puncture the ear.

Otitis Media

• Otitis media is the infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This part of the ear can become infected from the same sources that cause respiratory or breathing problems.

Cholesteatoma

• Cholesteatoma infection can occur when the eardrum skin grows in the wrong place. Because skin constantly sheds and grows, bacterial organisms feed off the deposited skin. This creates a build-up that in turn produces an infection.

Symptom

• Symptoms for eardrum infection include pain, discomfort and ringing noises in the ear. Changes in hearing or complete loss of hearing are other signs of an infected eardrum. Vertigo, a condition that causes a spinning sensation, is also another indicator of ear infection.

Children

• Even though adults are affected by eardrum infection, it usually occurs in children. The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders states that 75% of children will experience eardrum infection by their third birthday.