Perforated Eardrum
Medical Author:
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEPJohn P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Perforated Eardrum OverviewThe 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 
Viewer Comments & ReviewsPerforated Eardrum - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment was effective for your perforated eardrum? Perforated Eardrum - CausesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the cause of your perforated eardrum? |
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Perforated Eardrum
Earwax Overview
Earwax (also spelled ear wax), medically referred to as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Its purpose is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching and potentially damaging the eardrum. Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris.
Earwax Causes
Blockage, or impaction of earwax occurs when the wax gets pushed deep within the ear canal. Earwax blockage affects about 6% of people and is the most common ear problem doctors see.
- The most common cause of this is the use of Q-tips in the ear canal (and other objects such as bobby pins and rolled napkin corners), which pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal.
- Hearing aid and earplug users are also more prone to earwax blockage.
Picture of the ear and earwax build-up
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Middle Ear, Tympanic Membrane, Perforations »
Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) is a condition as old as the human species.
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