How long does a small perforated eardrum take to heal?

A torn (perforated) eardrum will usually heal by itself within 6-8 weeks. It is a skin-like structure and, like skin that is cut, it will usually heal. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic medicines if there is an infection or risk of infection developing in the middle ear whilst the eardrum is healing.

How long does it take for ear trauma to heal?

Most ruptured (perforated) eardrums heal without treatment within a few weeks. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops if there’s evidence of infection. If the tear or hole in your eardrum doesn’t heal by itself, treatment will likely involve procedures to close the tear or hole.

Can a perforated eardrum heal in a week?

A tear in the eardrum can allow bacteria and other things to get into the middle ear and inner ear. This could lead to an infection that might cause more permanent hearing damage. Most perforated eardrums heal in a few days to weeks.

How do you make a perforated eardrum heal faster?

At home, you can ease the pain of a ruptured eardrum with heat and pain relievers. Placing a warm, dry compress on your ear several times daily can help. Promote healing by not blowing your nose any more than absolutely necessary. Blowing your nose creates pressure in your ears.

Is perforated eardrum permanent?

A ruptured eardrum, also called a tympanic membrane perforation, is a hole or tear in the membrane that separates your ear canal from your middle ear. This can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, as well as make your middle ear more vulnerable to infection.

How do you sleep with a perforated eardrum?

Sleeping upright is a great help when it comes to resting with ear infection symptoms. Sleeping sitting up can allow fluid in your ear to drain easier, as well as easing pressure and pain in your middle ear – the likely source of the infection itself.

What happens when eardrum is damaged?

A ruptured eardrum can result in hearing loss. It can also make your middle ear vulnerable to infections. A ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment. But sometimes it requires a patch or surgical repair to heal.

Which side should I sleep on if I have a perforated eardrum?

As previously mentioned, sleeping upright is a good method to try, but for natural, familiar sensations, resting on your side will have the most relaxing effect. If your ear infection is occurring in just one ear, sleep on the side of the healthy ear to avoid adding even more pressure to the affected area.

What side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum?

Rest with your head on two or more pillows, so the affected ear is higher than the rest of your body. Or if the left ear has an infection, sleep on your right side. Less pressure = less ear pain.

How long does it take for a perforated eardrum to heal?

You can change your cookie settings at any time using our cookies page. A perforated or burst eardrum is a hole in the eardrum. It’ll usually heal within a few weeks and might not need any treatment. But it’s a good idea to see a GP if you think your eardrum has burst, as it can cause problems such as ear infections.

What are the signs of a perforated eardrum?

Signs of a perforated eardrum, or an ear infection caused by a perforated eardrum, include: 1 sudden hearing loss – you may find it difficult to hear anything or your hearing may just be slightly muffled 2 earache or pain in your ear 3 itching in your ear 4 fluid leaking from your ear 5 a high temperature 6 ringing or buzzing in your ear (tinnitus)

What should I do if I have a hole in my eardrum?

If the hole in your eardrum is big, or does not heal in a few weeks, the GP may refer you to an ear specialist to talk about having surgery to repair a perforated eardrum. an injury to the eardrum, such as a blow to your ear or poking an object like a cotton bud deep into your ear

How can I look after my eardrum?

Your eardrum will usually heal without treatment, but a GP can check for an infection (which may need treatment) and talk to you about how you can look after your ear. They’ll look into your ear using a small handheld torch with a magnifying lens.