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.

• 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
  
  
• 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