How is hearing affected by a perforated eardrum?
• and more… A hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear, is called a perforated eardrum. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic membrane. The middle ear is connected to the nose by the eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure in the middle ear. A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge. Pain is usually not persistent. What causes eardrum perforation? The causes of a perforated eardrum are usually from trauma or infection. A perforated eardrum from trauma can occur: • If the ear is struck directly • With a skull fracture • After a sudden explosion • If an object (such as a bobby pin, Q-tip, or stick) is pushed too far into the ear canal • As a result of acid or hot slag (from welding) entering the ear canal Middle ear infections may cause pain, hearing loss, and spontaneous rupture (tear) of the eardrum, resulting in a perforation. In this circumstance, there maybe infected or bloody d
