Perforated Eardrum (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Perforated Eardrum Causes
Infection of the middle ear is the most common cause of a ruptured eardrum.
- Infections can be caused by
viruses,
bacteria, or
fungi.
- Infections increase the pressure behind your eardrum, stretching the drum and causing
pain.
- When the eardrum can no longer stretch, it bursts or tears.
- Frequently, the pain gets better, because the pressure is now relieved, however, sometimes the pain can get worse.
- When the eardrum can no longer stretch, it bursts or tears.
- Trauma can also cause perforation.
- Blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a fall on the side of your head or a stick that goes deep in your ear
- Rapid changes in pressure, for example, scuba diving (barotrauma, ear pain, or ear squeeze), or going up in an elevator too fast
- Blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a fall on the side of your head or a stick that goes deep in your ear
- The eardrum can be ruptured in other ways.
- Slaps to the ear, such as a fall while water skiing or a hand slap to the side of the head
- Lightning blasts
- Blast waves from gunshots, fireworks, and other loud noises
- Changes in air pressure during air travel or scuba diving
- Sharp objects or cotton-tipped swabs
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Slaps to the ear, such as a fall while water skiing or a hand slap to the side of the head
Next: Perforated Eardrum Symptoms »
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Middle Ear, Tympanic Membrane, Perforations »
Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) is a condition as old as the human species.

