Perforated Eardrum

Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow

• Perforated Eardrum Overview
• Perforated Eardrum Causes
• Perforated Eardrum Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Perforated Eardrum Treatment
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Perforated Eardrum Overview

The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin, oval layer of tissue deep in the ear canal. It helps protect the delicate middle and inner ear from the outside.

It is called an eardrum because it looks and acts like a drum. The eardrum receives vibrations from the outer ear and transmits them to the small hearing bones (ossicles), of the middle ear.

Because it is so thin, the eardrum can be ruptured or punctured. The hole exposes the middle and inner ear to damage or infection.

Picture of the inner and outer structures of the ear