Burst Eardrum
Explaining A Burst Eardrum
A burst eardrum occurs from either a sharp blow to the head or from a puncture wound that happens in the ear canal. It is considered a rupture to the tympanic membrane and the ear drum itself can appear red, swollen and inflamed. There is usually a small hole present and pus like drainage can be seen coming from the ear canal area. A person who is suffering with a burst eardrum has a higher risk for getting an ear infection and can also suffer with permanent hearing damage.
It is thought that the size of the hole in the eardrum will determine how much hearing loss has occurred. If the hole is large, than the hearing loss will be more severe. If the hole is located in the center of the eardrum area, it also can also worsen the hearing loss. If a burst eardrum happens because of a blunt force causing a skull fracture, it can injure the delicate bones in the middle ear. These bones are responsible for transmitting sound. If they are disrupted, permanent severe hearing loss can occur.
An ear infection can cause a burst eardrum, especially in small children. When this happens, it opens up the area behind the eardrums and this can let germs and bacteria in. The inner ear tubes can become blocked and eventually burst. This condition is extremely painful and it may be accompanied by a thick yellow discharge coming from the ear canal. This is not considered a serious condition and after the fluid has drained the ear will heal naturally. But it might take a few weeks for all the fluid to drain away. If the infection is not clearing up, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to quicken the healing process.
There are many symptoms of a burst eardrum. The most common is intense pain and a pus like discharge. But there are other things associated with injuries to the ear. These things can occur without having a burst eardrum but they are conditions or specific symptoms of this disorder.
Tinnitus is described as a ringing in the ear. It can occur because of a burst eardrum, inner ear infection, wax build up or allergies. It can range from mild to catastrophic and it can be very bothersome. Tinnitus can cause sleeping problems as well as problems with concentration and daily activities. These symptoms can worsen as a sufferer progresses in age. The sound that this symptom produces can vary. Some sufferers state that they can hear a buzzing or whistling sound, while other people hear a clicking or whooshing sound. This is usually due to a fluid build up within the ear. A person who sufferers with muscle spasms around the ear can also have tinnitus. This is called objective tinnitus. This causes a crackling sound within the ear.
The semicircular canals are tubes within the inner ear. They are responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium. When there is an injury to the eardrum, it can cause a fluid build up in these canals. The result is a condition called vertigo. This is extreme dizziness, the illusion of spinning and nausea. There are a few other medical conditions that can also cause vertigo and they include diabetes, calcium disorders or alcoholism.
To prevent a burst eardrum you should never use a Q tip to clean the inner ear. The ear canal has a protective wax that helps to keep out bacteria and germs. If you remove this ear wax an infection can occur and you can also puncture the ear drum. If you are having a specific problem with the inner ear, you should see a doctor to avoid further problems.