An eardrum perforation is a hole or tear in the eardrum. Normally, the eardrum plays a vital role in transmitting sound and protecting the inner ear from harmful substances like water, dirt and bacteria. When it’s damaged, its ability to perform these tasks is compromised.
Think of a perforated eardrum like a boat sail with a hole. A sail with a hole might still function, but the overall experience is rougher and less effective. Similarly, a perforated eardrum can lead to hearing problems and reduced protection against infections.
Let’s look at a few common causes of a perforated eardrum and what you can do to prevent it.
Common Causes of a Perforated Eardrum
A few common causes of a perforated eardrum include middle ear infections, foreign objects in the ear, ear barotrauma (an imbalance of pressure in the ear caused by elevation changes) and loud noise exposure. The best way to prevent eardrum perforation is to protect against its underlying causes.
How Do I Prevent the Underlying Causes of Eardrum Perforation?
There are four excellent ways you can help protect your eardrum from the common causes of perforation, including:
- Early treatment. Treating severe middle ear infections with antibiotics can help prevent the infection from spreading or damaging the eardrum. If you or your child is prone to ear infections, you may want to consider ear tubes to minimize their chances of recurring infections.
- Don’t stick things in your ears. There’s an old saying in audiology that you should never place anything larger than your elbow in your ear. Cleaning your ears with cotton swabs or scratching an itch deep in your canal can be tempting, but these actions can cause serious damage. Do your best to keep small objects out of your ear canal and make an appointment with your ENT provider if you need earwax removed.
- Try the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver is a tried-and-true technique to equalize pressure in the ears and prevent barotrauma during a flight. Start by holding your nostrils shut with your fingers and closing your mouth. Next, gently blow air into your closed nostrils as if you’re blowing your nose into a tissue. This maneuver should make your ears feel clear and help prevent rupturing.
- Turn down the volume. Because noise is invisible, we tend to think it can’t cause physical damage, but the impact of soundwaves on the eardrum is a common source of perforation. Do your best to keep your cell phone, radio and TV volume below 85 decibels and wear earplugs during action movies or Riverbend Music Center concerts.
Following these four simple tips can help minimize your likelihood of eardrum perforation. If you’re experiencing ear pain believed to be the result of perforation, contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to schedule an exam and treatment consultation with one of our specialists.