Patient education: Ruptured eardrum – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for a ruptured eardrum. This is a hole or tear in the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin layer of tissue between the ear canal and middle ear. Ruptured eardrums are usually caused by an ear infection, extreme pressure changes, or poking the eardrum.

A ruptured eardrum due to an infection or pressure changes might heal on its own within a few days. If there is a risk of infection, your doctor might also prescribe antibiotic eardrops. A ruptured eardrum caused by injury can take up to 4 weeks to heal.

You might need to see an ear, nose, and throat ("ENT") specialist if:

●You have severe hearing loss, vomiting, dizziness, or facial weakness.

●The hole or tear is very big.

●Your eardrum has not healed.

The ENT specialist might need to do surgery to put a tiny patch on your eardrum to help seal the hole.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. You need to have your ear checked in about 2 to 4 weeks to see if your eardrum has healed.

●If there is a risk of infection, the doctor might have given you antibiotics. If so, take them exactly as instructed. Finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.

●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, if needed. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Do not stick anything in your ear, unless the doctor told you to. This includes cotton swabs (Q-tips).

●Until the doctor says your eardrum has healed:

•You can shower or take a bath, but use something to keep water out of your ear. This could be a shower cap, ear plug, or cotton ball covered with petroleum jelly.

•Do not put your head under water while taking a bath.

•Do not swim in lakes, ponds, rivers, or oceans. You can swim in chlorinated water if you wear silicone ear putty or a fitted ear plug, but stay on the surface only. Do not put your head under the water or dive.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if you have:

●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●New or worsening ringing in your ear, or hearing loss

●New or worsening facial weakness

●Ear pain even after taking pain medicines

●Other new or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: Ruptured eardrum (The Basics)
Patient education: Ear infections in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Ear infections in children (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use ear drops (The Basics)

Patient education: Ear infections (otitis media) in children (Beyond the Basics)