Ruptured Eardrum

A ruptured eardrum is a small tear or hole in the thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. A ruptured eardrum often causes sudden pain that eases, followed by drainage and muffled hearing. Most heal on their own within a few weeks.

What Is It

The most common cause is a middle ear infection, when pressure builds behind the eardrum until it tears. Other causes include cotton swabs or objects in the ear, a slap to the ear, a very loud blast, and pressure changes from flying or diving.

Symptoms

Sharp ear pain that suddenly eases
Clear, bloody, or pus like drainage
Muffled hearing or hearing loss
Ringing in the ear
A spinning feeling or dizziness
Ear pain after a loud noise or pressure change

Not sure it’s a ruptured eardrum? Ear pain with fever and no drainage may be an ear infection. Other causes of ear pain are covered under earache.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider looks at the eardrum with a lighted scope. Antibiotic ear drops may be used when there is infection. The ear should not be flushed. Tears that do not heal may need an ear specialist.

At home:

Keep the ear dry while showering and swimming
Do not put drops or objects in the ear unless prescribed
Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Avoid blowing your nose hard

Most ruptured eardrums heal within a few weeks.

When to Get Care for a Ruptured Eardrum

Watch at Home

Mild drainage after an ear infection that is clearing
Pain that is already easing

Come to Urgent Care Today

Drainage from the ear
Sudden ear pain that eased with new drainage
Muffled hearing after an injury, blast, or flight
Ear pain after using a cotton swab

Go to the Emergency Department

Severe dizziness, vomiting, or trouble walking
Sudden, major hearing loss
A deep object stuck in the ear
Weakness or drooping of one side of the face

FAQ

How do I know if my eardrum is ruptured?

A ruptured eardrum often causes sharp ear pain that suddenly eases, followed by drainage and muffled hearing. A provider can confirm it by looking at the eardrum.

How long does a ruptured eardrum take to heal?

Most ruptured eardrums heal on their own within a few weeks. Larger tears can take longer, and some need repair by an ear specialist.

Can I shower with a ruptured eardrum?

You can shower with a ruptured eardrum, but keep water out of the ear. A cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly placed at the ear opening can help.

Can I fly with a ruptured eardrum?

Flying with a ruptured eardrum is usually possible, but pressure changes can cause pain. Ask a provider before flying, especially if there is infection.

Can urgent care treat a ruptured eardrum?

Yes, urgent care can check a ruptured eardrum. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can look at the eardrum and treat any infection. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a ruptured eardrum an emergency?

A ruptured eardrum is an emergency with severe dizziness, vomiting, trouble walking, sudden major hearing loss, or weakness of the face.

Last reviewed October 2026