Rupture of the eardrum, what causes it?

A ruptured eardrum is a condition when the tympanic membrane (eardrum) has a tear or hole. The tympanic membrane or eardrum is a layer in the middle area of ​​the ear canal that functions to transmit sound waves from the outer ear. Then these sound waves are received by the tympanic membrane in the form of vibrations and then forwarded to the middle ear and inner ear.

These vibrations are converted into signals in the inner ear. Then the signal will be sent to the brain and then translated as sound. Thus, hearing can be impaired if the tympanic membrane is damaged or ruptured.

There are several conditions that can cause the eardrum to rupture, including:

1. Infection

Ear infections are a common cause of a ruptured eardrum, such as otitis media which is often the cause of a ruptured eardrum. Ear infections can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear. Then the fluid buildup creates pressure so it can tear the eardrum.

2. Injuries

Having an ear injury or an injury to the side of the head can also cause a ruptured eardrum. Not only that, direct injury can also occur due to objects that enter the ear area, such as cotton buds or other ear picks which can also cause the eardrum to rupture.

3. Loud sound

Acoustic trauma is a condition when you hear very loud sounds such as gunshots or explosions which have the potential to cause rupture of the eardrum. Even though this condition rarely occurs, it should be watched out for.

4. Pressure

Barotrauma is a condition when there is a drastic difference between the outer ear and the middle ear. This condition can occur when boarding a plane, driving to high altitudes, diving or climbing mountains which can result in tearing of the eardrum.

Although a ruptured eardrum can heal on its own within a few weeks or a few months. However, there are some cases that require further medical treatment, such as fillings or ear surgery.

Treatment of a ruptured eardrum

Generally, a ruptured eardrum will heal on its own within 6–8 weeks. However, if there are signs of infection or a ruptured eardrum that doesn't go away on its own, medical treatment is needed.

Some of the treatments that can be done to treat a ruptured eardrum are:

Medical treatment

Medical treatment of the eardrum aims to relieve pain and treat or prevent infection. Medical procedures performed by doctors include:

• Administration of drugs
  The doctor will give antibiotics in the form of drops or oral medication to prevent or treat ear infections. The doctor will also give pain relievers, such asIbuprofen orparacetamol, if the pain due to a ruptured eardrum does not go away.

• Patching of rips or holes
  If a tear or hole in the eardrum doesn't heal on its own, the doctor will apply a chemical to the edge of the tear and apply special paper as a patch. This patch will stimulate the healing process of the eardrum until it is completely closed.

• Surgery or operation
  If the patching of the tear or hole in the eardrum doesn't work, the doctor will perform eardrum surgeryortympanoplasty.This operation is done by grafting other tissue into the ruptured eardrum.

Self-care at home

To help the process of recovering a ruptured eardrum, patients can also do their own treatment at home. Treatments that can be done include:

• Keep your ears dry by using earplugs or special devices to prevent water from getting in when bathing
• Avoid risky activities, such as swimming, traveling to high altitudes, and doing strenuous exercise
• Do not hold your breath in your nose when you sneeze, as this can increase ear pressure and make the condition worse
• Resist the urge to clean your ears for a while until the ruptured eardrum recovers
• Compress the ear with a warm dry towel

If the condition does not improve, immediately consult an ENT specialist at RSU Hermina Medan.