Should you go to ER for busted eardrum?

Go to the emergency room right away if you have severe symptoms. Examples of severe symptoms are bloody discharge from your ear, extreme pain, total hearing loss in one ear, or dizziness that causes vomiting.

What can you do for a busted ear?

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

What happens if you busted eardrum?

A ruptured eardrum can result in hearing loss. It can also make the 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.

How long does it take to recover from a busted eardrum?

Typically, no specific treatment is needed for a ruptured eardrum; the vast majority of ruptured eardrums heal within three months. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic — either oral or in the form of eardrops — to prevent an ear infection or treat an existing infection.

Is a perforated eardrum serious?

A torn (perforated) eardrum is not usually serious and often heals on its own without any complications. Complications sometimes occur such as hearing loss and infection in the middle ear. A small procedure to repair a perforated eardrum is an option if it does not heal by itself, especially if you have hearing loss.

Is ruptured eardrum permanent?

It can also affect hearing, but this usually is temporary. 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 sleep with a busted eardrum?

If you have a ruptured eardrum in just one ear, sleep on the other side of your body. Or if you usually sleep on your back or you have ruptures in both eardrums, sleep with your head elevated a couple of inches above the rest of your body.

Is a burst eardrum painful?

A ruptured or perforated eardrum usually causes pain if the cause is infectious (ear infection) or traumatic; however, other causes may not cause pain. There are many signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum that may include one or more of the following: Ear pain. Whistling sounds when sneezing or blowing your nose.