Visit Us Today for Perforated Eardrum Treatment
Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy provides premier eardrum perforation repair services in and around Columbus, IN. Whether you suffer from ruptured eardrum drainage, allergies, or constant snoring, our professional team can help. We utilize state-of-the-art techniques and products to provide our valued patients with the best possible care.
What is an Eardrum Perforation?
Also referred to as a ruptured eardrum or tympanic membrane perforation, an eardrum perforation is a tear in the thin tissue separating the ear canal from the middle ear or eardrum.
What Causes an Eardrum Perforation?
Infection, injury, eustachian tube disorders, and more can cause traumatic eardrum perforation. Below, we’ve listed the possible causes of eardrum perforation. They include the following:
- Ear infections
- Ear or head injuries
- Foreign objects in the ear
- Eustachian tube disorders
- Loud noises close to the ear
- Rapid changes in ear pressure
Ruptured Eardrum Symptoms
There will likely be some telltale signs if you have a perforated or ruptured eardrum. However, those with ruptured eardrums can be completely unaware due to the lack of signs and symptoms. Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- An ear infection
- Partial or complete hearing loss
- Drainage from the ear
- Earaches and general discomfort
- Facial weakness or dizziness
- Ear noises such as buzzing or ringing
- Sudden, sharp pains in the ear
What is a Tympanoplasty?
A tympanoplasty is a surgical technique that uses a specialized graft of tissue or synthetic material to patch the eardrum. Sometimes, this surgery will involve additional surgical techniques, like a mastoidectomy, which opens postauricular air cells by removing the thin bony partitions between them. A tympanoplasty is typically performed if antibiotics have proven unsuccessful when treating a ruptured eardrum or other inner ear damage. On average, this procedure can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. It can be performed under local anesthesia but is usually done under general anesthesia.
How is a Perforated Eardrum Treated?
Ruptured eardrum surgery is a treatment option but is usually a last resort. Typically, at-home remedies and prescription antibiotics will be the first form of treatment. If the tear is significant or the ear drum does not heal independently, perforated eardrum repair will be needed. This procedure is performed under anesthesia. The eardrum will be patched up with the person’s tissue. This particular procedure is called a tympanoplasty. Smaller holes are repaired with a gel or special paper.
Recovery From Eardrum Perforations
After eardrum perforation repair, patients can expect to be fully healed after three to six months.
Contact Us Today for Eardrum Perforation Repair
If you’re experiencing lasting ear pain and any other symptoms listed on this page, you may have a perforated eardrum. Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy is here to help. We’ve served patients throughout Southern Indiana for years, providing them with the best audiology services. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with one of our expert team members, contact us today.