Eardrum repair - series

Ruptured or perforated eardrums are usually caused by middle-ear infections or trauma (for example, an object in the ear, a slap on the ear, explosions, or repeated, excessive ear pressure from flying or diving).

If healing does not occur with antibiotics or other non-operative treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Chronic middle ear infections are described as:

• 5 or more ear infections in a year, or
• 3 or more ear infections a year over a two-year period

Signs of chronic ear infections include persistent ear pain, ear drainage, or hearing loss (over a 3-month period).

Review Date: 04/11/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C),Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.