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Perforated Eardrum
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Perforated Eardrum
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear
- Ear pain that eases suddenly, often with discharge, after an ear infection
- Fluid, pus or a little blood coming from the ear
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Itching in the ear
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin skin that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. Common causes are a middle ear infection that bursts through the drum, a slap or blow to the ear, a cotton bud or other object pushed into the ear, and a sudden change in pressure. Most holes heal on their own within a few weeks, as long as the ear is kept dry. A hole that is still there after about three months, or that keeps the ear discharging, can be closed with an operation called a tympanoplasty.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear
- Ear pain that eases suddenly, often with discharge, after an ear infection
- Fluid, pus or a little blood coming from the ear
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Itching in the ear
- Repeated ear infections, or discharge every time water gets in
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital today if there is swelling, redness or pain behind the ear, a high fever, severe headache, weakness of the face, severe dizziness with vomiting, or a child who is drowsy, or after a head injury with blood or clear fluid from the ear. See a doctor if you think your eardrum has burst, if the ear is discharging or painful, or if your hearing has not returned within a few weeks. See an ENT specialist if the hole has not healed after about three months.
Treatment options
- Keeping the ear dry while it heals, with no swimming and a cotton wool plug smeared with petroleum jelly when bathing
- Painkillers for discomfort
- Antibiotic drops or tablets when there is infection
- A check by an ENT specialist with a microscope to confirm the hole has closed
- Tympanoplasty, a graft to close a hole that has not healed
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
How long does a burst eardrum take to heal?
Most heal within a few weeks, and many within two months. Keeping water out of the ear and not putting anything into it gives it the best chance.
Can I put oil or herbs in the ear?
No. Nothing should go into an ear with a hole in the drum unless a doctor prescribes it, because it can carry infection into the middle ear.
When is surgery needed?
When the hole has not closed after about three months, or when it keeps the ear discharging or affects hearing. The operation is called a tympanoplasty.
Need Help?
An ear, nose and throat specialist on a video call, who plans treatment and says whether an examination or an operation is needed.
See an ENT specialist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Perforated eardrum. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.