Rupture of the EardrumA ruptured eardrum is a tear or hole in the membrane of the middle ear, usually as a result of injury (trauma). The eardrum may also rupture from fluid buildup in the middle ear. A person with fluid buildup in the ear may have severe pain that gets better or goes away when the eardrum ruptures and the pressure is relieved. A ruptured eardrum usually drains suddenly, leaking fluid that often looks like pus and smells bad or may even be bloody. The eardrum usually heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks, usually without hearing loss. But the injury or infection that caused the rupture usually requires treatment and a visit to a doctor. Current as of:
May 12, 2017 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine |
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