Ruptured eardrum

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Ear anatomy

Mastoiditis - side view of head

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

A ruptured eardrum is an opening or hole in the thin layer of tissue (eardrum) that separates the outer and middle ear.

Tympanic membrane perforation; Eardrum - ruptured or perforated; Perforated eardrum

The eardrum vibrates when sound waves strike it. These vibrations then pass through the bones of the middle ear. They stimulate the inner ear, sending nerve impulses to the brain. When the eardrum is damaged, the hearing process is interrupted.

Ear infections may cause a ruptured eardrum, more often in children. The infection causes pus or fluid to build up behind the eardrum. As the pressure increases, the eardrum may break open or rupture.

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Damage to the eardrum can also occur from:

• A very loud noise (acoustic trauma)
• Difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the eardrum (barotrauma), which may occur when flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains
• Foreign objects in the ear
• Injury to the ear (such as a powerful slap or explosion)
• Inserting cotton-tipped swabs or small objects into the ear to clean them

Review Date: 04/15/2011
Reviewed By: Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).