5 Causes for eardrum rupture

Eardrum or tympanic membrane is a delicate membrane that separates the middle ear from external ear; it's the line of defense that prevents entry of water or any foreign body into the middle ear.

Eardrum rupture occurs due many reasons, such as:

1. Viral or bacterial otitis media (middle ear infection) which increases pressure inside the middle ear and leads to eardrum rupture.
2. Direct head trauma as in accidents or violent sports (such as boxing).
3. Wrong handling with the ear as using matchsticks in removal of the accumulated wax in the external auditory meatus.
4. Eardrum rupture could develop due to increased pressure as in diving or during air flights.
5. Exposure to sudden loud sounds as in explosions.

Eardrum rupture is usually associated with clinical manifestations; they include:

• Temporary hearing loss or decreased hearing acuity.
• Offensive ear discharge, which could be associated with few drops of blood.
• Severe otalgia (earache).

Eardrum rupture tends to heal spontaneously without surgical intervention, to reduce the annoying symptoms and to avoid complications; some medications (antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs) are prescribed. If spontaneous healing of eardrum rupture failed within 6 weeks, surgical repair of the ruptured eardrum is done.