Repair of Eardrum Perforation

A perforated eardrum, also known as a ruptured eardrum, can be repaired by our experts at Texas ENT Specialists.

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Perforated eardrums can be caused by various factors including head trauma, loud sounds or blasts, ear infection, trauma to the head or ears, and foreign objects in the ear. This can lead to ear pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, nausea, or a spinning sensation. We offer treatment methods to repair the rupture, which includes a patch being placed over the hole. If a patch cannot repair the hole, surgery may be required.

How the Procedure Works

Eardrum perforation is a hole or tear in the tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. Sometimes this hole will heal on its own within a few weeks, but other times, outside intervention (even surgery) may be required to fix it.

If you think you have a ruptured eardrum, the first step is to undergo an examination by one of our providers. They can examine your ear to look for the tear and then run tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

If treatment is necessary, your provider will apply a chemical treatment to the tear to help promote healing, and will then seal it with a small patch. The patch may need to be re-applied throughout the healing process. If this does not work, there is an outpatient surgical option. During the surgery, a small tissue graft is taken and used to repair the hole.

Who Can Benefit from Eardrum Perforation Repair?

While some eardrum perforations may heal on their own, for those whose don’t, their quality of life may be impacted. These treatments can help stop symptoms quickly rather than waiting for the body’s prolonged healing process.

Symptoms of perforated eardrums can include pain, nausea, ringing in the ears, and even hearing loss. These treatments can help end these side effects with little to no downtime.

Patients who can benefit from the repair of eardrum perforation include:

Those with a recently ruptured eardrum
Those with persistent eardrum ruptures
Those who have tried the patch method but are now looking for surgery

With 18 convenient locations across the greater Houston & San Antonio areas, we’re never far away.

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About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists offers specialized care for all ear, nose, and throat conditions. We have many convenient office locations across Texas. We have set ourselves apart in the industry through:

Personalized Treatment

We tailor all of our ENT services to meet your individual needs, leading to the best patient outcomes.

Top-Rated Physician Network

All of our locations are staffed with a team of top-rated physicians that can help with all of your ENT concerns.

Centers of Excellence

Our locations are equipped with the latest and most advanced technology to help us deliver a seamless patient experience for you.

Continuity of Care

We ensure long-term relief with our comprehensive care philosophy and network of highly trained providers.

Who Is a Candidate?

Most patients who have a ruptured eardrum are a candidate. This also includes patients who have been treated using the patch method but are now in need or would like a surgical intervention.

Some patients may have ear pain or other symptoms and may not realize they have a perforated eardrum. Our staff can evaluate your ear to see if it’s a perforated eardrum. No matter what the issue, your provider will recommend the proper treatment.

Your Treatment

Before treatment, your provider will examine the area. If the patch method is being used, they will apply a chemical substance to the edges of the tear. This will help kick-start the healing process. After this, a small patch is applied. Once completed, you can resume most normal activities while keeping your ear clean and dry.

The patch may need to be re-applied until the hole closes. If you need surgical intervention, the procedure will begin with a small graft of tissue that is used to patch the hole. Because the surgery is outpatient, you will be able to go home the same day.

Eardrum Perforation FAQ's

How do I know if I have a ruptured eardrum?

You may feel some pain or may have had an experience where you think it may have ruptured. Our providers can examine the ear to let you know concretely.

Do I have to stay at the hospital overnight for surgery?

No. In most cases, the surgery is outpatient and you can leave the same day.