What to do if the eardrum is ruptured? Learn the treatment methods

The eardrum, as the sound transmitting organ of our ear, not only serves to prevent bacteria from invading the ear, but also helps us transmit sound, allowing us to feel the changes in sound. However, many people accidentally rupture their eardrums when picking their ears. What should you do if your eardrum is ruptured? Let’s take a look at it below.

1. The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is an elastic grayish-white translucent membrane. A translucent circular membrane between the external auditory canal and the middle ear separates the external auditory canal from the middle ear. Commonly known as otoscope (Taiwanese). There are two reasons for a ruptured eardrum, including traumatic rupture and chronic otitis media. The symptoms of a traumatic ruptured eardrum are usually a pointed rupture, no secretions, and severe ear pain. Chronic otitis media worsens gradually, with a smooth rupture, secretions in the ear, but no pain. Both can affect hearing, with a loss of about 20 to 30 decibels of hearing. However, after treatment by a doctor, mild ruptures can heal on their own, while chronic otitis media requires surgery.

2. Although the human eardrum is only a translucent membrane 0.1 mm thick, it plays an extremely important role in hearing. Because it is as thin as a cicada's wing, once it is hit or damaged by a hard object, it will break and burst, affecting hearing. Parents who still like to use corporal punishment to achieve severe punishment should consider that hitting a child on the head will not only cause severe psychological trauma to the child, but may also cause the child to become disabled for life, with disastrous consequences.

3. Generally speaking, when the eardrum ruptures, the patient will suddenly feel ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, a small amount of bleeding and a feeling of occlusion. The strong vibration may also cause damage to the inner ear and cause symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Once a ruptured eardrum is confirmed, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Emergency methods:

Use antibiotics as directed by your doctor to prevent infection.

It is forbidden to flush or drip medicine into the external auditory canal. The opening of the external auditory canal can be blocked with a sterilized cotton ball.

To avoid catching a cold, do not blow your nose hard to prevent mucus from entering the middle ear through the throat and causing infection.

Do not swim or engage in any water activities until your eardrum has healed.