Perforated eardrum
Overview
Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include sudden hearing loss, earache and fluid leaking from your ear.
A perforated eardrum often heals on its own. You may need antibiotics if you get an ear infection, or surgery if the hole does not heal.
A perforated eardrum often heals on its own. You may need antibiotics if you get an ear infection, or surgery if the hole does not heal.
Common causes of a perforated eardrum include an ear infection, a blow to the ear, cleaning your ear with a cotton bud and changes in air pressure.
Page last reviewed: 11/02/2020
Next review due: 11/02/2023