Perforated Eardrum: Causes, Care and Recovery
Find out what can cause a hole in the eardrum, why keeping the ear dry matters, and when hearing or balance symptoms need prompt review.
Read MoreWhen is tympanoplasty considered?
The assessment reviews the size and position of the perforation, infection history, hearing tests and whether the ear is dry. The clinician may also assess the middle-ear structures and discuss whether repair alone is appropriate or another procedure could be needed.
The goals may include closing the perforation, reducing recurrent discharge and supporting hearing, but improvement is not guaranteed. Risks, recovery, keeping the ear dry, follow-up and the possibility of a residual or recurrent perforation should be covered before surgery.
Bring details about your ear history
- How long the perforation has been present
- Any repeated discharge or ear infections
- Hearing test results and previous ear surgery
- Impact on swimming, water exposure and daily life
Assess hearing and infection together
Repair decisions depend on more than the hole itself. Active infection, hearing status and the condition of the middle ear all influence planning.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
