ear, nose, and throat disorders
Eardrum Perforation
Treatment of Eardrum Perforation
Antibiotics if needed Sometimes surgery The ear is kept dry. People are instructed to place a cotton ball lathered with petroleum jelly in the ear when they take a bath or shower to prevent water from getting in the ear. Swimming should be avoided. Usually, no specific treatment is needed for eardrum perforation unless the injury was caused by a dirty object or if contaminants may have entered through the perforation. In such cases, doctors give antibiotic ear drops. Antibiotics may also be used if the ear becomes infected. Usually, the eardrum heals without further treatment. If it does not heal within 2 months, surgery to repair the eardrum (tympanoplasty) may be needed. People with a severe injury, particularly one accompanied by marked hearing loss, severe vertigo, or both, may need to have more immediate surgery. If a perforation is not repaired, the person may develop a smoldering infection— Otitis Media (Chronic Suppurative) —in the middle ear. A persistent Causes occurring after perforation of the eardrum suggests disruption or immobility of the ossicles, which may be repaired surgically. A 