Contents:
- Medical Video: Perforated Eardrum - Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
- What causes the eardrum to rupture?
- What will happen if the eardrum breaks?
- Can this condition be treated until healed?
Medical Video: Perforated Eardrum - Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
The eardrum is a vital part of the ear that plays a role in the hearing process. Have you ever imagined that suddenly your eardrum breaks? Yes, even though it is located inside the ear, it is not impossible that the eardrum can experience interference like other body parts. Then, what will happen next? Will hearing be disturbed? Check out the following review to find out the answer.
What causes the eardrum to rupture?
Eardrums have a role that is not playful as part of the anatomy of the body. First, it is tasked to feel the vibrations of incoming sound waves, and then change the vibration into nerve impulses to be delivered to the brain as sound.
Secondly, the eardrum also acts as a protective middle ear from bacteria, water, and other foreign objects. Unfortunately, this important part can be disrupted and eventually rupture (tympanic membrane perforation).
Most cases of ruptured eardrums are caused by ear infections, sharp objects, and head injuries. Not only that, hearing sounds that are too loud such as music or explosions, and because the changes in pressure inside and outside the ear are not the same, known as barotrauma.
This condition usually occurs when you are at height and depth, such as when flying a plane and diving under the sea.
What will happen if the eardrum breaks?
Not everyone immediately realizes when their eardrums rupture, usually they only really complain of discomfort in the ear after a few days later. You may be aware of symptoms such as pain, discharge of fluid such as pus or blood from the ear, and continuous humming.
There are some people who also complain of headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting, until they lose some or all of their hearing.
According to Dr. Vijay Mukhija, an ENT specialist and plastic surgeon at ENT and Allergy Associates in Melville, New York, has a thin paper-like eardrum structure that can easily be damaged when exposed to foreign objects, reported Health.
On the one hand, protection given by the eardrum to the middle ear will indeed make it sterile and clean. However, on the other hand, the eardrum becomes more susceptible to infection - especially when it's broken. Various bacteria will easily get into the eardrum rupture, so that later an infection arises known as otitis media.
In addition, because the eardrum serves as a conductor of audible sounds, your ability will automatically decrease to be able to hear clearly after the eardrum ruptures. The bigger the hole that damages the eardrum, the greater the possibility of hearing loss you experience.
Can this condition be treated until healed?
Actually, there is no specific treatment for a ruptured eardrum, because it usually resolves in a matter of weeks to months. The doctor will only prescribe antibiotics, ear drops, or over-the-counter painkillers if you have an infection.
If damage to the eardrum is classified as severe, surgery may be an option taken to accelerate healing. Especially for the ruptured eardrum that involves the edge of the eardrum or ear infection.
While waiting for your eardrum to heal completely, you are required to keep your ears dry and not exposed to cold air. Make sure you comply with the rules of drug use, and avoid using ear drugs outside of the doctor's advice.
