Ruptured (perforated) eardrum
A ruptured (or perforated) eardrum is a tear or hole in the membrane of the middle ear. It's usually as a result of injury (trauma). The eardrum may also rupture from fluid buildup in the middle ear.
A person with fluid buildup in the ear may have severe pain. The pain gets better or goes away when the eardrum ruptures and the pressure is relieved. A ruptured eardrum usually drains suddenly. It leaks fluid that often looks like pus and smells bad. It may even be bloody.
In most cases, the eardrum heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks, usually without hearing loss. But the injury or infection that caused the rupture often requires treatment and a visit to a doctor.
How can you care for your child who has a perforated eardrum?
- If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Give your child an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as needed. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- To ease pain, put a warm washcloth on your child's ear. There may be some drainage from the ear.
- Ask your doctor if you should give your child oral or nasal decongestants to relieve ear pain. These may help if a cold is causing fluid behind the eardrum. (Do not use products that have antihistamines in them, because these can cause more blockage.)
- Do not give decongestants to a child younger than 2 unless your child's doctor has told you to. If the doctor tells you to give a medicine, be sure to follow what your doctor tells you to do.
- Be careful when giving over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not giving your child more than the recommended dose. Too much Tylenol can be harmful.
- Keep your child's ears dry. Do not let your child swim or shower until your doctor says it's okay.
- Do not put anything into your child's ear canal. For example, do not use a cotton swab to clean the inside of the ear. It can damage the ear. If you think something is inside your child's ear, ask your doctor to check it.
Perforated eardrum in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Pus draining from the ear.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You notice changes in your child's hearing.
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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