Ruptured eardrum (perforated eardrum)

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:

  • Consistent ear pain that stops suddenly
  • Clear, pus-filled or bloody drainage from your ear
  • Hearing loss
  • Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
  • Spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Nausea or vomiting that can result from vertigo

When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a ruptured or perforated eardrum or pain or discomfort in your ears. Your middle and inner ears are composed of delicate mechanisms that are sensitive to injury or disease. Prompt and appropriate treatment is important to preserve your hearing.

References
  1. Perforated eardrum. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/perforatedEardrum.cfm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  2. Evans AK, et al. Evaluation and management of middle ear trauma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  3. Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose and throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 50th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies. 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2436&searchStr=tympanic+membrane+perforation. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  4. Vernick DM, et al. Ear barotrauma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  5. Limb CJ, et al. Acute otitis media in adults (suppurative and serous). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  6. Cholesteatoma. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/cholesteatoma.cfm. Accessed Nov. 22, 2010.
  7. Yates PD, et al. Otitis media. In: Lalwani AK. Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Otolaryngology. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies. 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2830509. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
  8. Shelby JH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 28, 2010.
DS00499 Feb. 4, 2011

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