| Perforated eardrum | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Punctured eardrum |
 | |
| A completely perforated eardrum, showing the handle of the malleus (hammer bone). | |
| Specialty | ENT surgery |
| Symptoms | conductive hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, vertigo |
| Causes | ear infection, physical trauma, overpressure, ear cleaning |
| Diagnostic method | otoscopy |
| Treatment | conservative or surgery |
A perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a prick in the eardrum. It can be caused by infection (otitis media), trauma, overpressure (loud noise), inappropriate ear clearing, and changes in middle ear pressure. An otoscope can be used to view the eardrum to diagnose a perforation. Perforations may heal naturally or require surgery.