How to care for your child with a Perforated (Ruptured) Eardrum

• Middle ear infection can result in the accumulation of fluids in your middle ear, which can cause the eardrum to tear up.
• Barotrauma (a sudden uncomfortable feeling where your child feels their ears are blocked)  air pressure changes associated with air travel, scuba diving and the impact of  a car airbag can cause Barotrauma
• Loud sounds or blasts can rarely cause a tear in your eardrum
• Foreign objects in your ear can puncture the eardrum
• Head injury

• Ear pain that worsens before suddenly getting better
• Discharge from ear
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in your ear
• Spinning sensation
• Nausea or vomiting that can result from spinning sensation

The doctor will ask a few detailed questions about your child’s health and examine your child’s ear using a small handheld torch.

• Perforated eardrums usually heal without treatment within a few weeks
• You may get antibiotic drops if there is signs of infection
• If the hole in your eardrum doesn’t heal by itself, treatment may include procedures to close the hole by an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) specialist
• If follow up is needed, arrangement will be made, and you will be contacted for a follow up appointment in the ENT specialist clinic

• Keep your child’s ear dry. Place a waterproof silicone earplug or cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear when showering or bathing.
• Refrain from cleaning your ears, so it gets time to heal.
• Avoid blowing the nose. The pressure created can damage your healing eardrum.
• Hold a warm piece of cloth  against the ear to help reduce any pain
• If your doctor advises giving medicine, you can give
  • Paracetamol (any brand) or Ibuprofen (any brand)
  • Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child
  • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious complications

• Mild to moderate pain
• Bloody or pus-filled discharge leaking from the ear
• Nausea, vomiting, or consistent dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Hearing loss

• Has severe pain in the ear
• Has swelling behind the ear
• Has difficulty in breathing
• Is unable to drink any liquids
• Appears dry and produces less urine
• Has Something in the ear