Perforated Eardrum – Causes, Symptoms and When to See an ENT Specialist
A perforated eardrum (also called a tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the thin membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. While it can sound alarming, many perforated eardrums heal on their own — but some require specialist ENT assessment and treatment.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, we regularly assess and treat patients with perforated eardrums from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury, offering both conservative care and surgical repair when needed.
👂 What Is a Perforated Eardrum?
The eardrum plays a vital role in hearing and protecting the middle ear.
When it becomes perforated, sound transmission may be reduced and the ear becomes more vulnerable to infection.
Perforations can be:
Small or large
Central or marginal
Temporary or long-standing
The size and location influence symptoms and treatment options.
📌 Common Causes of a Perforated Eardrum
A perforated eardrum may occur due to:
Middle ear infection (pressure from fluid or pus)
Sudden pressure changes (flying, diving, slap to the ear)
Trauma (cotton buds, hair grips, foreign bodies)
Loud noise or blast injury
Previous ear surgery
Chronic ear disease
Children and adults can both be affected.
🔊 Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum
Symptoms vary but may include:
Sudden ear pain (sometimes followed by relief)
Reduced or muffled hearing
Ear discharge
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
A blocked or hollow sensation
Occasionally dizziness
Some small perforations cause surprisingly few symptoms and are found incidentally.
🩺 How Is a Perforated Eardrum Diagnosed?
Assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite or Medicana Winchester may include:
ENT examination using microscopy
Hearing test (audiogram)
Tympanometry (when appropriate)
Assessment for infection or middle ear disease
This allows accurate diagnosis and planning of treatment.
⏳ Will a Perforated Eardrum Heal on Its Own?
Yes — many perforations heal naturally, especially if they are small and caused by infection or trauma.
During this period, your ENT specialist may advise:
Keeping the ear dry
Avoiding swimming
Treating any infection
Avoiding cotton buds or water entry
If the perforation does not heal after several months, further treatment may be recommended.
🛠️ Treatment Options
1. Conservative Management
Observation is appropriate for many patients, especially early on.
2. Paper Patch or Myringoplasty
For selected small perforations, a minor procedure may encourage healing.
3. Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair Surgery)
Recommended if:
The perforation persists
Hearing loss is significant
Recurrent infections occur
Water exposure causes repeated problems
Tympanoplasty is a well-established procedure with high success rates.
🚿 Can I Get My Ear Wet?
With a perforated eardrum:
Avoid swimming unless advised otherwise
Use ear protection when showering
Do not allow water to enter the ear canal
Your ENT specialist will give tailored advice depending on perforation size and healing stage.
🌟 Why Choose Hampshire ENT Clinics
Patients choose our service because we offer:
Consultant-led ENT assessment
Expertise in eardrum repair (tympanoplasty)
Accurate hearing testing
Modern facilities
Convenient and rapid access
Care for patients across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury
Our aim is to restore hearing, prevent infection, and protect long-term ear health.
👉 If you’ve been told you have a perforated eardrum or are experiencing ear discharge or hearing loss, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for expert assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Perforated Eardrum
What is a perforated eardrum?
A perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the thin membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. It can affect hearing and increase the risk of ear infections.
Is a perforated eardrum serious?
Many perforated eardrums are not dangerous and heal on their own. However, persistent perforations can lead to recurrent infections, hearing loss, and long-term middle ear problems, so specialist assessment is important.
What causes a perforated eardrum?
Common causes include middle ear infections, sudden pressure changes (flying or diving), trauma (such as cotton buds or foreign bodies), loud noise or blast injury, previous ear surgery, and chronic ear disease.
What symptoms can a perforated eardrum cause?
Symptoms may include reduced or muffled hearing, ear discharge, tinnitus, a blocked or hollow sensation, and occasionally dizziness. Some small perforations cause very few symptoms.
Will a perforated eardrum heal on its own?
Yes. Many perforations—particularly small ones caused by infection or trauma—heal naturally over weeks to months. Your ENT specialist will monitor healing and advise on ear care during this period.
How long should I wait before considering treatment?
If a perforation has not healed after several months, or if it is causing ongoing hearing loss or infections, further treatment such as surgical repair may be recommended.
Can I get my ear wet if I have a perforated eardrum?
Generally, you should keep the ear dry. Swimming is usually avoided, and ear protection is advised when showering. Your ENT specialist will give individual guidance depending on the size and stage of healing.
Do antibiotics help a perforated eardrum heal?
Antibiotics treat infection but do not close the hole itself. Treating infection helps create the right conditions for healing, but persistent perforations may still require intervention.
What treatments are available if it doesn’t heal?
Options include observation, minor procedures such as a paper patch or myringoplasty for small perforations, and tympanoplasty (formal eardrum repair surgery) for long-standing or symptomatic perforations.
What is tympanoplasty?
Tympanoplasty is surgery to repair the eardrum using the patient’s own tissue. It has high success rates and aims to improve hearing and prevent recurrent infections.
Is tympanoplasty a major operation?
It is a well-established ENT procedure, usually performed under general anaesthetic. Most patients recover well, with hearing improvement over time.
Can a perforated eardrum affect long-term hearing?
Yes. Persistent perforations can cause ongoing conductive hearing loss. Repairing the eardrum often improves hearing and reduces infection risk.
Where can I be assessed and treated?
Assessment and treatment are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, caring for patients from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and across Hampshire.
When should I seek urgent ENT advice?
You should seek prompt review if you have ear discharge, worsening hearing loss, dizziness, persistent pain, or recurrent infections associated with a perforated eardrum.