Perforated eardrum
Overview
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.
Page last reviewed: 19/04/2023
Next review due: 19/04/2026