What causes a perforated eardrum and when is surgery needed?

Hello,

A hole in the eardrum is commonly called a perforated eardrum. It can occur because of an ear infection, injury, inserting objects such as earbuds or cotton buds into the ear, sudden pressure changes, or previous ear surgery.

The appropriate treatment depends on the size and location of the hole, how long it has been present, hearing level, and whether there is an active infection.

What Treatment Be Needed?

Some small eardrum perforations can heal on their own. If the hole does not heal or causes repeated ear discharge or hearing problems, an ENT specialist may recommend surgery.

Common procedures include

• Myringoplasty – repairs the hole in the eardrum.

• Tympanoplasty – repairs the eardrum and, when necessary, the small bones of the middle ear.

• Additional middle-ear treatment may be needed if there is chronic infection or damage to the hearing bones.

The ENT specialist will decide whether surgery is necessary after examining the ear.

What Tests Be Required?

The ENT doctor recommend

• Ear examination with an otoscope or microscope

• Pure-tone audiometry (hearing test)

• Tympanometry, when appropriate

• CT scan of the temporal bone in selected cases

• Ear discharge testing if infection is suspected

A hearing test is particularly useful when surgery is being considered because it helps assess the effect of the perforation on hearing.

Precautions Before Treatment

Until your mother is evaluated

• Keep the affected ear completely dry.

• Do not put water directly into the ear while bathing.

• Do not use ear drops unless prescribed by an ENT doctor.

• Do not insert cotton buds, oil or other objects into the ear.

• Avoid self-treatment with antibiotics.

• Do not blow the nose forcefully.

• Seek medical advice if there is persistent ear discharge or worsening pain.

When Should She See an ENT Doctor Quickly?

Consult an ENT specialist promptly if she has:

• Persistent or foul-smelling ear discharge

• Increasing ear pain

• Reduced or worsening hearing

• Fever

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Ringing in the ear

• Repeated ear infections

Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, or severe pain with swelling around the ear requires urgent medical assessment.

Does Every Eardrum Hole Require Surgery?

No. Some perforations heal naturally, while persistent perforations may require repair. The ENT specialist should examine the ear before deciding on surgery.

How HexaHealth Can Help

We connect patients with suitable ENT specialists and partner hospitals and can help with consultation, hearing tests, treatment planning, appointment coordination and hospital-related support.

If you share your mother's age, city, how long she has had the hole, whether there is ear discharge or hearing loss, and whether an ENT doctor has already advised surgery, we can guide you about the appropriate next step.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth