How does someone get a punctured eardrum?!
Question: I had ear pain, so I went to my dr today and he told me that my ear drum was punctured in 3 places. There is also some fluid back there behind the ear drum he said. I don't remember putting anything in there at all. So how does an ear drum get punctured and how long does it take to heal? Do you think Claritin would help the fluid go away.
I am going to the specialist in a week, but I am not sure what I should do to keep it safe in the meantime.
Please give me any info you know about a punctured ear drum.
Answers: I had ear pain, so I went to my dr today and he told me that my ear drum was punctured in 3 places. There is also some fluid back there behind the ear drum he said. I don't remember putting anything in there at all. So how does an ear drum get punctured and how long does it take to heal? Do you think Claritin would help the fluid go away.
I am going to the specialist in a week, but I am not sure what I should do to keep it safe in the meantime.
Please give me any info you know about a punctured ear drum.
1. Trauma can rupture an ear drum
2. a projectile (also known as a Q tip)
3. An infection that builds up can also push through the eardrum due to pressure and make holes.
The fluid will drain out on its own into the ear canal ad there is now a hole there (much like the tubes they put into kids).
Keep the ear dry (put a cotton ball in when in the shower) and do not swim etc until seen by the ENT. Do not put anything like ointments or drops in unless advised by the doc.
You may wind up with some hearing loss.
It is also hard to say how long it will take to heal, based on what caused it.
sometimes sticking a q-tip in to far will do this.
never put anything smaller than your fist into your ear.
The PA who answered this is correct in all the diagnosistic protocols....BTW, I'm glad that you saw your doctor, as I recommended.......I would not take any prescription unless he or she specifically instructed you to do so, or wrote you a Rx for one......You might want to try an OTC (over the counter) remedy like Pseudafed which will "dry things out", but I hope you see your ENT (specialist) soon.........Best of luck
Christopher
There are many ways, some of being a q-tip, a pressure build up, trama, loud noises, infection, and a lot more. It all depends on the severity of the holes on how long it will take. To keep it safe, make sure that you don't get ANY water in there. If there is bacteria in the water, it could go into your ear and casue big problems. Don't go swimming, and be very careful when showering. Also, it might help if you would look online for tips and information!
Feel better soon!