How to Tell If You Ruptured Your Eardrum

A ruptured eardrum--also called a perforated eardrum--is an opening in the tympanic membrane, according to Healthline. Once the protective eardrum gets a hole in it, bacteria can enter into the middle ear and cause an infection. A ruptured eardrum can result from ear infections, loud noises, injury from inserting cotton swabs into the ear or having other foreign objects in the ear. Certain symptoms associated with this condition can help you tell if your eardrum is ruptured. Keep track of any symptoms as they appear so you can discuss them with your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Pay attention to any episodes of feeling lightheaded or dizzy sensations that come and go quickly. The vertigo may cause an upset stomach and vomiting.

2. Check the ear to see if there's a clear, pussy or bloody drainage coming from inside. This is a possible sign you ruptured your eardrum.

3. If you notice a sharp pain in your ear that disappears quickly, according to CNN, mark this symptom down for later reference.

4. If you notice a loss of hearing in one ear, especially accompanied by a ringing sound, that ear may have a ruptured eardrum.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any of the symptoms of a ruptured eardrum, consult your medical doctor. Take your list of symptoms to the appointment so he or she can provide you with a correct diagnosis.

References

• Ruptured Eardrum

Resources

• Healthline