Rupture of the eardrum
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Rupture of the eardrum
A ruptured eardrum is a tear or hole in the membrane of the middle ear, usually as a result of injury (trauma). The eardrum may also rupture from fluid buildup in the middle ear.
A person with fluid buildup in the ear may have severe pain that gets better or goes away when the eardrum ruptures and the pressure is relieved. A ruptured eardrum usually drains suddenly, leaking fluid that often looks like pus and smells bad or may even be bloody.
The eardrum usually heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks, usually without hearing loss. However, the injury or infection that caused the rupture usually requires treatment and a visit to a health professional.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | February 13, 2008 |
| Last updated: | February 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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