Facial weakness or dizziness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nAre There Any Possible Complications? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your perforated eardrum does not self-heal in three to six\nmonths and you don\u2019t seek treatment, possible complications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temporary Hearing\nLoss <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hearing loss due to a perforated eardrum is usually temporary. Size and location of the perforation plays a huge role in the eardrum\u2019s healing process and affecting the degree of hearing loss you may experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis media) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A perforated eardrum can allow\nbacteria to enter the ear. If the perforation doesn\u2019t heal, a small number of\npeople are subject to recurrent ear infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Middle Ear Cyst (Cholesteatoma)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This cyst, composed of skin cells and various debris, is very\nrare. The cyst is a result from a long-term development in the middle ear after\nyour eardrum has been perforated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Are Eardrum Perforations Diagnosed? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to\nvisually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. A hearing test may be required.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your physician can\u2019t see the rupture but suspects you have one, they may use a process called tympanometry to create pressure variations in your middle ear. A perforated tympanic membrane produces a flat test response and typically cause a 20 \u2013 30-dB conductive hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How is an Eardrum Perforation Treated? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Because the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in\na few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or\ntreat infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help.\nLarge perforations may require surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry,\navoiding water as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does a Perforated Eardrum Take to Heal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\nAn eardrum perforation can self-heal after three to six months. If\ncomplications arise, it may take longer for the eardrum to heal.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call Burlington Ear Nose & Throat<\/span> at (319) 752-2725<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What Does an Eardrum Do? The eardrum has two main roles: Hearing \u2013 Your eardrum vibrates from sound waves striking it. In turn, structures in your middle and inner ear translate sound waves into nerve impulses. Protection \u2013 Acting as a barrier, your eardrum protects your middle ear from water, bacteria, and foreign substances. What…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":373,"menu_order":31,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"