How to Treat Ruptured Eardrum
Ruptured eardrums are also called perforated eardrums. A rupture can occur from pressure such as that found in an ear infection or from poking a foreign object around in there such as a Q-tip. Ruptured eardrums are painful and they can stop you from being able to hear correctly. Treating them is essential.
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Instructions
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Get antibiotics. In almost every case of a ruptured ear drum antibiotics are given to prevent infection or to treat the infection that caused the ruptured eardrum in the first place. You will need a doctor to prescribe the right antibiotics for you.
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Take Advil or Tylenol. Advil works quicker and is more effective so if you are in a lot of pain you should start with that one. Tylenol can also be used if you don't do well with Ibuprofen. Some Ibuprofen can upset stomachs so take food with it.
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Keep your ear dry. That means placing cotton balls in the ear with the rupture when showering or getting wet. Sometimes a doctor will give you a patch to wear while your eardrum is healing.
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Use a heating pad over your ear. Warmth eases the pain, but if you use a heating pad make sure you don't make it so hot that it burns you. You can make your own warm compress by using a sock and some rice. Place some rice inside a sock. Tie the sock up with a hair band or rubber band to prevent the rice from coming out. Stick it in the microwave for 30 seconds give or take. Press against the outside of your ear.
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Get surgery as a last resort. If your ear does not heal on it's own after two months than you may need surgery to fix the hole. This surgery is called tympanoplasty. It is used as a last resort.
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Tips & Warnings
Stay away from swimming activities until your ear is completely healed.
Children under 12 should never take aspirin.
