If you have a punctured (or ruptured) eardrum, you may find yourself asking two key questions: how long does it take to heal? And is there anything you can do to support your recovery?

What is a punctured eardrum?
Symptoms of a perforated eardrum
How does a punctured eardrum heal naturally?
How long does a punctured eardrum take to heal naturally?
Managing a punctured eardrum: how to support natural healing
When should I seek medical intervention?
How PHIN can help
The bottom line
Sources

The eardrum is a remarkable structure that plays a crucial role in our ability to not only hear but also maintain our balance.

However, it’s also incredibly fragile, meaning that it can be prone to damage from various sources, such as loud noises, trauma, air pressure or infections.

When this happens, the eardrum can become torn in some way, resulting in an uncomfortable condition known as a punctured (or ruptured) eardrum.

In this article, we take a closer look at what punctured eardrums are and highlight which symptoms to look out for, how long they can take to heal on their own and when you should seek medical intervention.

What is a punctured eardrum?

A punctured eardrum, otherwise known as a perforated or burst eardrum, is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates your outer and middle ear (known as the eardrum or tympanic membrane).

This condition can occur due to various reasons, including ear infections, sudden changes in air pressure, loud noises or physical trauma to the ear.

Symptoms of a perforated eardrum

If you suspect you have a punctured eardrum, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Hearing loss in the affected ear
  • Ringing or buzzing in your ear (tinnitus)
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Drainage from your ear, which may be clear, bloody or pus-like
  • A high temperature

While these symptoms can be concerning and uncomfortable to experience, the good news is that most punctured eardrums will get better on their own without the need for medical intervention.

However, you may be prescribed antibiotics to stop you from getting an ear infection while your eardrum heals.

How does a punctured eardrum heal naturally?

The human body has an impressive ability to repair itself, and the eardrum is no exception.

According to the NHS, a punctured eardrum will usually get better on its own within two months.

To understand both how and why this works, we need to take a look at the three key stages that take place during your body’s natural healing process:

  1. Inflammation and protection: When your eardrum becomes perforated, your body's immune system responds immediately by increasing blood flow to the damaged area. This brings with it essential nutrients and cells that are needed for repair, helping protect the area from infection while the healing process begins.
  2. Tissue regeneration: New cells begin to grow around the edges of the perforation. Over time, these cells gradually multiply and migrate towards the centre of the perforation, slowly closing it and causing the hole to shrink in size.
  3. Scar tissue formation: As the new tissue fills the perforation in more and more, it forms a thin layer of scar tissue. This is usually thinner than the original eardrum was but it still functions effectively and, over time, should strengthen and eventually heal the rupture.

How long does a punctured eardrum take to heal naturally?

The time it takes for a punctured eardrum to heal naturally can vary depending on the size and location of the perforation, as well as several individual factors.

Some smaller perforations may heal in as little as three to five days, for example, whereas, larger ones can take up to two or three months.

If you’re concerned that your eardrum isn’t healing correctly, or you’re not sure whether you have a punctured eardrum or another hearing-related issue, speak to your doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose your specific issue and provide you with relevant advice and support.

Managing a punctured eardrum: how to support natural healing

While your body will naturally do most of the work, your recovery time can also be impacted by how well you prioritise your health and protect your eardrum from further damage.

With this in mind, here are a few ideas to help maximise your recovery and support the natural healing process:

  • Keep your ear dry: Where possible, try and avoid getting any water in your ear while showering or bathing. The NHS recommends using a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to help protect your ear when washing your hair.
  • Avoid blowing your nose too hard: While it may be tempting to do when dealing with a cold or sinus-related issue, blowing your nose too hard can create pressure in your ear and potentially worsen your perforation.
  • Don't use eardrops unless prescribed: Using over-the-counter eardrops could potentially cause more harm than good, especially if they enter your middle ear through the perforation. So, only use ear drops if prescribed by your doctor.
  • Use pain relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate your discomfort and ease any painful symptoms.
  • Avoid flying: The changes in air pressure you experience during flights can be painful and potentially impact your recovery time.
  • Don't put anything inside your ears: Avoid inserting any objects into your ear canal, including cotton swabs/buds or earplugs, as this could cause further damage.
  • Sleep in the correct position: By keeping the affected ear elevated and maintaining the correct sleeping position, this will not only help it heal more quickly but also ensure a better night’s sleep.
  • Follow your doctor's advice: If antibiotics are prescribed to prevent or treat infection, take them as directed.

When should I seek medical intervention?

While most punctured eardrums heal on their own, there are cases where medical intervention may be necessary.

For example, if your perforation is particularly large or hasn’t healed on its own within three months, or you experience repeated ruptures, ear infections or hearing loss, your doctor may recommend an alternative type of treatment known as a tympanoplasty (or myringoplasty).

In the UK, this type of procedure is mainly performed under general anaesthetic and involves using a graft, often taken from nearby tissue, to repair the hole in your eardrum.

How PHIN can help

Before considering any type of treatment, it's essential to do your research in advance.

Here at the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), we can provide you with clear, comprehensive information on tympanoplasty and many other procedures.

At the same time, we can also help you find highly qualified ENT specialists (ear, nose and throat surgeons), compare various local hospitals, understand the potential costs involved and learn more about your recovery.

Take a look at our dedicated page on eardrum surgery to find out more about this procedure, or head across to our vision, mission and culture page to learn more about what we do.

The bottom line

In most cases, living with a punctured eardrum will heal naturally on its own within a few weeks to a few months.

By following the tips listed above and giving your body time to repair itself, this should support the natural recovery process and potentially avoid the need for more invasive treatments.

However, if you're concerned about your eardrum's healing progress or experience persistent symptoms, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action to ensure your eardrum heals correctly.

Sources

Was this article useful?
Yes
No