Cyst Behind Ear

The oil secreted by sebaceous gland is usually responsible for the formation of cyst behind ear. Cyst is
a lump of dead cells collected in a particular part of the body. It may cause pain and discomfort if gets
infected.
Cyst is a collection of dead cells which are observed in the form of lump or bulged area. Sebaceous
cyst are the most commonly found cysts which either results from the accumulation of dead cells or
from the collection of excess oil (secreted by the oil glands) inside the skin. Cysts can occur on any
part of the ear. It may occur on the ear lobe, inside the ear, behind the ear, in the ear canal or may
be on the scalp. These are noncancerous lumps and do not harm till they get infected.

What Causes Cyst?
The causes of cyst are still unknown. But following are some of the possible causes.
It may be because of the excess oil secreted by the oil glands or may be due to the faster production
of the oil in the body.
Excess exposure to the cold environment may also cause cyst formation in the body.
Blocked sebaceous glands and swollen hair follicles may result in the formation of sebaceous cyst.
Excessive testosterone production in men can sometimes lead to the formation of cyst.
Cyst or lumps may also form due to enlarged lymph node.
Cyst formation is sometimes hereditary too. Gardner's syndrome and basal cell nevus syndrome are
responsible for such disorder.
Identifying Cysts Behind the Ear
The growth of the cyst is very slow and left unnoticed as many times its painless and diminish in a
course of time on its own. But if the cyst gets infected, you can observe normal to severe pain. You
will also observe small soft skin lump in or on the ear and a viscous white fluid or sometime keratin
oozing out from the cyst. In case of keratin the cyst is termed as keratin cyst which causes painful
earlobe cyst. Cyst behind ear lobe or on head can be easily observed as compared to the cyst inside
the ear.

Options for Treating Cyst
Usually cysts do not require any treatment, they occur and diminish on their own. But if they get
infected then you may require medical attention. Following are some of the treatments which can help
you to get rid of cyst.

Home Treatment
When the cyst are small, then you can go for non-surgical or home treatments. Following are some of
them.
Place a heating pad on the affected place i.e. directly on the cyst. This can also be done with the help
of wax. Melt the wax and drop the melted part on the cyst. It can give you relief and will melt the cyst
which will further help the body to reabsorb it. Although this method works but in some cases it
makes the cyst worse. So be careful ready for the adverse effects too.
Take pure turmeric powder and mix little water in it. Apply it on the cyst for 15 minutes and then
wash off with oil free acne soap and dry it. Repeat this process for few days till the cyst disappears.
Dip a cotton in the tea tree oil and place it on the cyst for five minutes. Then wash it off with an oil
free acne soap. Repeat this process for few days. Tea tree oil dries the fluid of the cyst under the skin
and helps in getting rid of it.
Surgical Treatment
When the condition of the cyst becomes complicated, the doctor may suggest surgery. The surgery is
done by making the affected area of the ear, numb. Then a small cut is made over the cyst which
allows the fluid to ooze out. The fluid is completely drained and then it is cleaned and washed with the
help of iodine solution. The resulting hole or empty space beneath the skin is filled with antiseptic
ribbon. The skin is stitched back if need. The dressing is regularly changed depending upon the
surgery. Cure rate of the surgery is 100%.

Now if you observe a cyst formation in or around your ears then take proper care of it. Keep the area
clean, and do not try to pop the cyst as it can increase the pain. Do not apply any oily product on the
affected area or on the hair as it can make its way to the cyst and can aggravate the condition. If the
cyst is still troubling you then go for the treatments given above and consult a doctor if you observe
severe pain.

Cysts located behind the ear are more commonly referred to as sebaceous cysts. Typically, these
types of cysts originate from the hair follicles and are located behind, around, or near the ear on
the head. The name is a big of a misnomer because the fattiness of the cyst is not made of
sebum. Cysts behind the ear can be removed with surgery, but you risk possible unnecessary
ruptures and scarring. Though, if a cyst is removed with surgery, it is not likely to recur at all.
tophus /tophus/ (tofus) pl. tophi [L.] a deposit of sodium urate in the tissues about the joints in gout,
producing a chronic, foreign-body inflammatory response.
tophus (t f s)
n. pl. tophi (-f )
1. A deposit of urates in the skin and tissue around a joint or in the external ear.
2. Dental calculus; tartar.

tophus
A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | 171 words | Copyright
tophus (toh-fs) n. (pl. tophi) a hard deposit of crystalline uric acid and its salts in the skin, cartilage
(especially of the ears), or joints: a feature of gout
Gout Tophi
June 10, 2011 by Lynn.

A tophus (plural: tophi) is a deposit or lump of uric acid crystals that forms in people with gout, a type of arthritis.
Tophus means "stone" in Latin. Gout is a condition where the body has overly high levels of uric acid in the blood,
either because it can not rid itself of, or produces too much uric acid.
Uric acid is a naturally occurring chemical produced when the body breaks down purines, an organic compound
found in the body and in most foods. In normal quantities, uric acid is a natural and healthy antioxidant, helping to
prevent damage to blood vessels.
But when too much uric acid circulates in the blood it builds up, forming painful needle-like crystals and, in some
cases, knobby, chalky lumps called tophi. Uric acid can also accumulate in the kidneys, causing kidney stones, or,
less frequently, in the tendons or other organs.
It's estimated about 25 percent of people with gout will eventually develop tophi. Tophi usually take many years to
develop, appearing about 10 years after the onset of untreated or poorly managed gout, although they may appear
earlier or later. They appear most often in the elderly, especially elderly women.
Tophi can form under the skin or in the joints, bones and cartilage. They commonly occur on the ears, fingers, toes,
ankle and elbow. They first form as movable lumps, and become whitish and painful as they grow bigger. Gout
sufferers often develop more than one tophi.
If allowed to continue to grow, tophi can deform and destroy joints and cartilage. They can also become infected and
burst, oozing through the skin or causing a life threatening bacterial infection in the blood.
Tophi can be reabsorbed into the body if uric acid levels are decreased. Therefore they are treated by reducing the
body's level of uric acid with gout medication. This can take months, or even years. Febuxostat (brand name Uloric)
and pegloticase (brand name Krystexxa) are two of the most effective uric acid reducing tophi and gout medications.
Gout medications must be taken with care however, as the reabsorption of a tophus can raise uric acid levels in the
blood, precipitating a gout attack. In some cases, tophi will need to be removed surgically.
impacted cerumen,
accumulated cerumen forming a solid mass that adheres to the wall of the external auditory canal.
Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. 2009, Elsevier.

Impacted cerumen is another name for impacted earwax, cerumen being another name for earwax.
Cerumen or earwax protects the ear from various bacterial infections, helps in cleaning and lubrication
and also protects the sensitive skin of the ear canal. Excess production of earwax can cause many
hearing problems as well can create an unwanted pressure against the eardrum causing a lot of pain.
Earwax is produced when there is a mixture of shed layers of skin along with natural dust particles in
the air and secretions from the glands present inside the ear. The production of earwax depends upon
person to person.

Symptoms of Impacted Cerumen

Speaking of the United States, 2-6% of people suffer from impacted cerumen. Studies have shown
that fear, stress and anxiety increases the production of cerumen. Another reason is cleaning earwax
with a Q-tip applicator which ends up pushing the cerumen deep till in the ear plugging out the outer
ear canal. Impacted cerumen is also visible in people with hearing aid. Mentioned below are the
symptoms for the same.
Hearing Loss: The excess cerumen blocks the sound passage in the ears thereby causing this
symptom.
Pain in the Ear: People seem to experience pain in the ears which is caused due to accumulation and
plugging of the earwax near the ear canal.
Tinnitus: Tinnitus refers to a condition wherein people experience an unusual ringing in the ear,
making it one of the symptoms of this condition.
Itchiness in the Ear: Another symptom is constant itchiness in the ear, at times there might also be a
liquid secretion. Constant itchiness along with pain when scratched makes the experience very difficult
to deal with.
Vertigo: Vertigo is the sensation when you get this feeling of being in motion when actually your body
is still.
Cough: Coughing is usually caused due to the itchiness and the pain.
Impacted Cerumen Removal

The process is quite simple and effective. Firstly, the cerumen is softened with the help of oil-based
agents like baby oil or olive oil, a few drops of which are poured to the ears and left for a few minutes,
allowing the hardened cerumen to soften a little bit. This makes the earwax removal much more easy
and comfortable. After the oil based agents have done their work, the earwax is cleaned out using a
wet wash cloth and wrapping it around the finger. There are many other solutions which can be used
to soften the earwax like Debrox, Murine ear drops, 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution, Cerumenex, etc.,
but use them only when prescribed by medical specialist if you don't want to deal with possible allergic
reactions.

Treatment for Impacted Cerumen

Although the aforementioned removal technique proves beneficial in most of the cases, however, if
this method fails to be of help then medical assistance is the next option. The treatment includes
various methods discussed as follows.
Syringing: Once the accumulated earwax has been softened using an earwax removal solution,
syringing enables the wax removal by irrigation. The irrigation solution is kept the same as the body
temperature and a syringe is used to slowly and gently stream the water into the ear. The solution
flows out through the ear canal taking out the cerumen and other debris along.
Vacuuming: Vacuuming is another technique which is most effective when done by professionals only.
Although there are a lot of home-vacuum kits available in the market, they haven't proved to be of
much help, therefore, making this technique most effective when done by a professional.
Curettage: Cerumen can also be removed with a curette which is another name for a ear pick. This
technique works best when in the hands of health professionals. A modified curette is used to dislodge
the cerumen and scoop it out. Unlike cotton swabs which push the wax much more deeper into the ear
canal, the currete comes with a safety stop to make sure that it is not inserted way too deep.
Cerumenolysis: Cerumenolysis is a process of removing cerumen, using a solution known as
cerumenolytic agent. This solution is put inside the ear canal enabling the plugged wax to come out on
its own. If it fails to come out on its own, then methods like syringing and curettage is used.
Ear Candling: The method of ear candling, although is used to earwax removal, but isn't appreciated
or supported by medical practitioners. Under this method, one end of a hollow candle is lighted while
the other end is placed in the ear canal. Medical researchers claim this method to be both dangerous
and ineffective.

Swelling of pinna
Auricle[edit]
The auricle can be easily damaged. Because it is skin-covered cartilage, with only a thin padding of
connective tissue, rough handling of the ear can cause enough swelling to jeopardize the blood-supply to
its framework, the auricular cartilage. That entire cartilage framework is fed by a thin covering membrane
called the perichondrium (meaning literally: around the cartilage). Any fluid from swelling or blood from
injury that collects between the perichondrium and the underlying cartilage puts the cartilage in danger of
being separated from its supply of nutrients. If portions of the cartilage starve and die, the ear never heals
back into its normal shape. Instead, the cartilage becomes lumpy and distorted, a phenomenon
called wrestler's ear (because wrestling is one of the most common ways such an injury occurs)
or Cauliflower ear.

Ear PAIN
Ear pain, known technically as otalgia, can be very uncomfortable. Symptoms may
include hearing loss, headache, neck pain or sinus pressure. Below are some of the more
likely causes and treatments for ear pain and ways to avoid ear pain.
Direct Causes
Ear pain is caused by a number of different ailments. An infection of the middle ear, also
called acute otitis media, is a common complaint in children and usually resolves within 48
hours. Swimmer's ear, also called acute otitis externa, is inflammation and infection in the
outer ear canal, usually following trapped water in the canal. Barotrauma also causes ear
pain; it occurs when the pressures inside and outside of the ear drum are different enough
to cause a tear in the drum itself. Scuba diving and flying are causes of barotrauma. Ear pain
can also be caused by a foreign object lodged inside the ear, such as a pea or small insect.
This cause is also popular with children, who may place objects in their ear out of curiosity.
Treatments
Acute otitis media may be treated with antibiotics or antifungals. Acute otitis externa may
be treated by cleaning out the ear canal, followed by antibacterial drops in the ear or oral
antibiotics. Severe cases of barotrauma may require surgery. Cases of lesser severity may be
resolved with nasal decongestants and/or antihistamines. When ear pain is being caused by
a foreign body lodged inside the ear, the doctor may perform a careful removal procedure.

Indirect Causes
Some causes of ear pain do not come from the ear; the pain is referred from elsewhere.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, characterized by pain where your jaw meets your
skull, also causes ear pain. If TMJ disorder is the cause of your ear pain, possible treatments
include the application of heat, diet recommendations and pain relievers. Dental problems
can also cause ear pain. In this case, you should see your dentist. A sore throat can cause
swelling in the eustachian tube, the tube that connects your ears and your throat, and
thereby cause ear pain. Treatment for this ear pain would address the sore throat.
Prevention
A couple simple steps can help steer clear of ear pain. The first is to avoid loud noises that
may damage the ear. Construction workers or individuals unable to avoid loud noises
should use adequate protection for their ears. Second, do not place objects in your ears. This
includes cotton swabs. Children have a higher incidence of ear infections, and thus ear pain.
A couple steps to avoid ear pain in children include: avoid second-hand smoke, use a
pacifier as little as possible, keep vaccinations up to date and ensure he is washing his hands
frequently.
See Your Doctor
If persistent, do not attempt to self-diagnose your or your child's ear pain. See your family
doctor, or better yet, an ear, nose and throat doctor.

Otalgia or an earache is ear pain. Primary otalgia is ear pain that originates inside the ear. Referred
otalgia is ear pain that originates from outside the ear.
Otalgia is not always associated with ear disease. It may be caused by several other conditions, such as
impacted teeth, sinus disease, inflamed tonsils, infections in the nose and pharynx, throat cancer, and
occasionally as a sensory aura that precedes a migraine.
Primary otalgia[edit]
Ear pain can be caused by disease in the external, middle, or inner ear, but the three are
indistinguishable in terms of the pain experienced.
External ear pain may be:
Mechanical: trauma, foreign bodies such as hairs, insects or cotton buds.
Infective (otitis externa): Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Candida, herpes zoster, or viral Myringitis.
(See Otitis externa)
Middle ear pain may be:
Mechanical: barotrauma (often iatrogenic), Eustachian tube obstruction leading to acute otitis media.
Inflammatory / infective: acute otitis media, mastoiditis.
Secondary (referred) otalgia[edit]
The neuroanatomic basis of referred otalgia rests within one of five general neural pathways.
[1]
The
general ear region has a sensory innervation provided by four cranial nerves and two spinal segments.
Hence, pathology in other "non-ear" parts of the body innervated by these neural pathways may refer
pain to the ear. These general pathways are:
Via Trigeminal nerve [cranial nerve V]. Rarely, trigeminal neuralgia can cause otalgia. Oral cavity
carcinoma can also cause referred ear pain via this pathway.
Via Facial nerve [cranial nerve VII]. This can come from the teeth, the temporomandibular joint (due
to its close relation to the ear canal), or the parotid gland.
Via Glossopharyngeal nerve [cranial nerve IX]. This comes from the oropharynx, and can be due
to pharyngitis, pharyngeal ulceration, tonsillitis, or to carcinoma of the oropharynx (base of tongue,
soft palate, pharyngeal wall, tonsils).
Via Vagus nerve [cranial nerve X]. This can arise from the laryngopharynx in carcinoma of the this
area, or from the esophagus in GERD.
Via the second and third spinal segments, C2 and C3.
In an adult with chronic ear pain, yet a normal ear on exam, the diagnosis is carcinoma of the head and
neck region until proven otherwise. Yet some patients will have a "psychogenic otalgia," and no cause as
to the pain in ears can be found (suggesting a psychosomatic origin). The patient in such cases should be
kept under observation with periodic re-evaluation.
Dental disease may cause pain in the region of the ear. E.g. dental
caries causing pulpitis and/or periapical periodontitis (which may be associated with a periapical abscess)
in a tooth can be referred via the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve), the tympanic
nerve (a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve) or via the auricular nerve (a branch of the vegas
nerve).Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, impacted third molar teeth, and lesions of the floor of
mouth or ventral surface of the tongue (underside of the tongue) are other possible causes of dental
conditions which can cause ear pain.
[2]

Diagnosis[edit]
It is normally possible to establish the cause of ear pain based on the history. It is important to
exclude cancer where appropriate, particularly with unilateral otalgia in an adult who
uses tobaccoor alcohol.
[3]
Often migraines are caused by middle ear infections which can easily be
treated with antibiotics. Often using a hot washcloth can temporarily relieve ear pain.
Children[edit]
It is not unusual for an ear infection to develop in early childhood. Although they're not contagious, ear
infections can occur as side effects of contagious illnessescolds, coughs, or eye ailments
like conjunctivitis.
[4]


Scaling and lesions
Clinical picture:
Erythema and scaling behind the ears, sometimes with fissuring, is characteristic for atopic dermatitis, but may also
occur in allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Erythema, oedema, scaling and possibly oozing may also occur
involving the auricle and/ or the acoustic meatus. Lesions localised on the earlobe may be a sign of nickle allergy if
nickelous jewellery is worn.

Diagnosis:
The diagnosis is based on careful history taking, clinical examination and further testing such as prick and patch
testings if atopy or allergy are suspected.

Differential diagnoses:
Erysipelas, zoster oticus and relapsing polychondritis are possible differential diagnoses of lesions of the auricle.
Bacterial, viral and mycotic otitis externa and psoriasis have to be taken into account if lesions of the acoustic meatus
are present.


Exostosis
repeated exposure to cold wind and water may cause an abnormal growth of
bone within the ear canal. This is called exostosis.

The medical term for this bone growth is Exostosis, but it is more
commonly referred to as surfers ear. This term is due to the fact that
the most common cause of Exostosis / surfer's ear is frequent exposure
to cold wind and water, making this a condition that often affects
surfers - mostly those who surf in cold water. But it is not only surfers
who may suffer from Exostosis / surfer's ear. Also people who enjoy
skiing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, diving or any other sport, where the
ears are exposed to cold wind and water can get Exostosis / surfer's
ear.

Ongoing exposure to cold wind and water causes the bone surrounding
the ear canal to grow to protect the ear drum against the harsh
elements. Exostosis / surfer's ear is not necessarily harmful by itself,
but constriction of the ear canal makes it difficult to drain water and
ear wax and other debris can get trapped within the ear canal, which
may lead to painful and repeated ear infections. These ongoing
infections can result in permanent hearing loss.

If Exostosis / surfer's ear is not treated, the bone growth can evolve to
a complete blockage of the ear canal.

Exostosis Surgery
There are two different surgical approaches to remove the bone. One
approach to cure exostosis / surfer's ear uses a small incision behind
the ear and the bone growth is removed by means of a surgical drill,
while the other approach to cure exostosis removes the bone by using a
drill inside of the ear canal itself. After the surgery the patient must
avoid cold wind and water for about 2-6 weeks.

Continuing unprotected exposure of ear canals to cold water and wind
after the treatment can lead to a re-growth of the bone.
Protection of exostosis / surfer's ear
The widespread use of wetsuits has allowed people to surf in much
colder waters, which makes protection of the ears extremely
important. Earplugs, hoods and other cold weather surfing gear can be
used to prevent exostosis.
Retracted Eardrum
An eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. In this article, we
will look into the causes of a retracted eardrum along with the symptoms and treatment options.

The human ear is a sensory organ that not only enables us to hear varied sounds, but also helps in
maintaining the balance of the body. The ear is divided into the outer ear, middle ear and the inner
ear. There are various interconnected structures in the ear that work together to facilitate hearing.
Once the sound waves enter through the outer ear, they get amplified by the ear canal. These waves
strike a thin membrane called eardrum. It is at the eardrum that the waves convert into mechanical
vibrations. These vibrations pass on to the hammer, anvil and stirrup. These are three interconnected
bones that are located in the middle ear. Once the waves reach the inner ear, the vibrations in the
cells present in cochlea lead to the generation of electrical impulses. These electrical impulses are
carried by auditory nerve to the auditory cortex of the brain, where these are interpreted. This is how,
we hear different types of sounds. So, now you have some idea on the role played by eardrum in
facilitating the process of hearing. While overzealous cleaning of ears, loud explosions or trauma can
cause a perforated eardrum, pressure changes can also cause certain ear problems. A retracted
eardrum, which is also called tympanic membrane retraction, is one such condition wherein the
eardrum gets pulled into the middle ear due to pressure changes. Is this a serious condition?
Wondering what causes an eardrum to retract? Here's some information that will provide you with the
answers to these questions.

What Causes the Eardrum to Retract?

Under normal circumstances, the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum is almost the same. The
pressure is maintained with the help of Eustachian tube, a tube that connects the middle ear to the
nasopharynx. Eustachian tube helps in equalizing air pressure and also facilitates the drainage of
secretions from the middle ear. Thus, it helps in preventing ear infections. The eardrum gets retracted
whenever a negative pressure builds up behind the eardrum. This happens due to an Eustachian tube
dysfunction.

The Eustachian tube can get blocked due to upper respiratory infections, inflamed sinuses or allergies.
Most of the middle ear infections are associated with fluid buildup in the middle ear. If the opening of
Eustachian tube gets blocked, the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum cannot be equalized,
which in turn, may cause the eardrum to retract. Presence of tumors or masses in the nasopharynx
can also block Eustachian tube, which in turn may cause the eardrum to be pulled inwards. If the
eardrum is pulled inwards, the sounds may appear to be louder. Increased hearing sensitivity and ear
pain are the most common retracted ear symptoms. The sensation is similar to what one may
experience due to pressure changes during air travel.

How to Treat Tympanic Membrane Retraction

Blockage of Eustachian tube is one of the most common refracted eardrum causes, so those who often
suffer from infections that cause blockage of Eustachian tube are more susceptible to this condition.
This condition must be treated at the earliest. If left untreated, retraction pockets can form in the
middle ear. Debris may get accumulated in these pockets and these could also become infected. This
may cause a chronic infection. A serious condition that could result is the development of a
cholesteatoma. This is a condition wherein a mass of skin may get trapped in the middle ear. This
tumor-like growth may destroy the eardrum. An enlarged cyst could even erode the bones located in
the middle ear. Hearing loss could also result from erosion of the bones. One must, therefore, get a
checkup done so as to prevent such complications from arising. Treating the condition that's causing a
blockage of Eustachian tube would help in alleviating the symptoms.

If the blockage of this tube occurs as a result of upper-respiratory infections, sinusitis or allergies,
treatment options such as drug therapy along with certain home remedies will prove beneficial.
Painkillers, antibiotic ear drops, nasal decongestants along with application of warm compresses may
help. Opening and closing the mouth or yawning may help in increasing the pressure. One can also try
'Valsalva Maneuver' in order to equalize pressure. All you need to do is hold your breath, and tighten
the body, as though straining for a bowel movement. In severe cases, a tympanostomy ear tube
might be placed for draining fluid from the middle ear. If infected retraction pockets are detected by
an otolaryngologist and one is diagnosed with cholesteatoma, surgical procedures called
tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty or mastoidectomy may be needed for the removal of the
cholesteatoma.

Though retraction of the tympanic membrane may not always be a cause of serious concern, surgery
may be needed if one is diagnosed with cholesteatoma. Since blockage of Eustachian tube is one of
the most common causes of tympanic retractions and middle ear infections, the conditions that lead to
the blockage of Eustachian tube must be treated at the earliest.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/retracted-eardrum.html
Perforated Eardrum Overview
Patient CommentRead 1 CommentShare Your Story
The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin, oval layer of tissue deep in the ear canal. It helps protect the
delicate middle and inner ear from the outside.
It is called an eardrum because it looks and acts like a drum. The eardrum receives vibrations from the
outer ear and transmits them to the small hearing bones (ossicles), of the middle ear.
Because it is so thin, the eardrum can be ruptured or punctured. The hole exposes the middle and inner
ear to damage or infection.
Picture of the inner and outer structures of the ear

Perforated Eardrum Causes
Patient CommentsRead 28 CommentsShare Your Story
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.
o When the eardrum can no longer stretch, it bursts or tears.
o Frequently, the pain gets better, because the pressure is now relieved, however, sometimes the
pain can get worse.
Trauma can also cause perforation.
o Blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a fall on the side of your head or a stick that goes deep in
your ear
o 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.
o Slaps to the ear, such as a fall while water skiing or a hand slap to the side of the head
o Lightning blasts
o Blast waves from gunshots, fireworks, and other loud noises
o Changes in air pressure during air travel or scuba diving
o Sharp objects or cotton-tipped swabs
o Motor vehicle accidents
o Falls
o Sports injuries
Perforated Eardrum Symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom of a perforated eardrum. It can range from general discomfort to
immediate or intense pain, or the patient may just feel as if there is something not right with the ear.
Other common symptoms of perforated eardrum include:
Vertigo (spinning sensation)
Hearing change or loss
o Often with ringing, buzzing, or clicking
Fluid or blood draining from the ear
When to Seek Medical Care
Call a doctor immediately if you suspect you or someone you know has a ruptured eardrum and any of
the following occur:
An uncontrolled spinning sensation
Difficulty walking
An abrupt change in hearing
A change in the ability to taste foods
You accidentally put your ear under water
The following symptoms suggest a potentially life-threatening complication and require immediate
medical evaluation:
Stiff neck
High fever
The worst headache of your life
Numbness or weakness in face, arms, or legs
Difficulty talking or opening mouth
Continued vomiting
Pain or swelling behind the ear
Abrupt change in vision
Difficulty staying awake
Exams and Tests
The doctor can diagnose eardrum rupture by taking a history and looking in the patient's ear with
an otoscope - a special magnifier with a light.
Occasionally, very small holes can be difficult to identify and may require further testing.
o Tympanogram - A test that uses a short burst of air against the eardrum
o Audiogram - A hearing test
Perforated Eardrum Treatment
Patient CommentsRead 13 CommentsShare Your Story
Because most perforated eardrum injuries heal on their own within two months, treatment may include
analgesics to alleviate pain andantibiotics to prevent infection.
The doctor will likely advise the patient to keep the ear clean and dry while healing.
If the perforated eardrum is due to a foreign object in the ear, do not try to remove it yourself. Only a
medical professional should attempt to remove any foreign bodies in the ear
Surgery
Some large holes or non-healing small holes require surgery.
Surgical procedures are performed with a general anesthetic. Most people go home from the hospital or
clinic on the same day.
An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT, otolaryngologist) may graft or patch the eardrum with paper,
fat, muscle, or other material.
o These materials act as a bridge, allowing the tympanic membrane to grow together.
Prevention
Some causes of ruptured eardrums cannot be prevented or avoided. A little caution can lower the risk.
Treat ear infections early.
Avoid flying or scuba diving if you havesinus infection or upper respiratory tract infection.
If you must fly or scuba dive, pinch your nose and swallow air frequently to help equalize the pressure.
Never put anything in your ear, even to clean it (for example, Q-Tips).
Wear proper ear protection such as ear plugs or protection designed for sports activities.