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Perforated eardrum

Overview

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Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include sudden hearing loss in 1 ear, earache or ear pain, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear and ear discharge.

A perforated eardrum usually gets better on its own within 2 months, but sometimes you need antibiotics or surgery to repair the eardrum.

You can help a perforated eardrum by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease any pain. Do not get the ear wet or put anything in it.

A perforated or burst eardrum is a hole or tear in your eardrum.

Page last reviewed: 19/04/2023
Next review due: 19/04/2026