Best Sleeping Position for a Ruptured Eardrum: On Which Side Should You Sleep?
Ear trauma is another common cause of ruptured eardrums. Both children and adults may accidentally pierce their eardrums
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with cotton swabs or other ear-cleaning devices. In addition, head injuries that compress the ear or break bones in the base of the skull may also rupture one or both eardrums.
Other potential causes of ruptured eardrums include:
Very loud and sudden noises
Strong suction on the ear
Shock waves from explosions
People who have previously had ear surgery or repeated middle ear infections are at higher risk of ruptured eardrums. Indigenous children, people with limited access to health care, and people infected with group A Streptococcus bacteria are also at higher risk of ruptured eardrums from middle ear infections.
Home Care for a Ruptured Eardrum
Anyone who thinks that they may have a ruptured eardrum should talk to their doctor. A doctor can look inside the ear to diagnose a ruptured eardrum. They may also order a test to check for hearing loss. A doctor can also provide instructions to protect the eardrum, prescribe antibiotics, and schedule a follow-up appointment to check whether the ear is healing.
Most ruptured eardrums will heal on their own without treatment. People with ruptured eardrums should follow their doctor’s advice. In addition, there are several steps that they can take at home.
Protect the Affected Ear
People with ruptured eardrums should take care to keep water out of their ears until the tear heals. If water gets into the ear, it could cause a middle ear infection. This is because water in the ears could carry germs through a tear in the eardrum and into the middle ear.
If possible, people with ruptured eardrums should avoid putting their heads underwater. If they can not entirely avoid water, then they should consider gently placing cotton balls in their external ears while in the shower or washing their hair and using earplugs while swimming.
Apply a Warm Compress
A warm compress on the affected ear may help to reduce pain from a ruptured eardrum. To prepare a warm compress, run a soft washcloth under warm water and then hold it to the ear for several minutes. Ensure that water does not enter the ear and that the compress is comfortable before placing it against the skin.
Try Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine
People who have ongoing pain after a ruptured eardrum may consider using over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. People should talk to their doctors if their ear pain is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine.
