What happens when your eardrum bursts?

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your ear and then suddenly a rush of liquid coming out? Well, it could be that your eardrum has burst. Don’t worry; we know how scary it can be, but keep reading to find out what happens when your eardrum bursts.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Ear

To understand what happens when an eardrum ruptures, we first have to get acquainted with the anatomy of the ear. The human ear is divided into three sections: outer, middle, and inner.

Outer Ear

The outer portion consists of parts visible from outside comprised by auricle (outer part), auditory canal (tube-like structure) leading up to tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Middle Ear

The middle section begins after the barrier formed by eardrums which contains ossicles – malleus(hammer), incus(anvil) & stapes stirrup(plural)-chain connected between them; this leads up until cochlea (snail shell-shaped organ)

Inner Ear

Lastly comes inner lobes that contain organs responsible for hearing and balance are positioned including semicircular canals consisting hair cells responding to movement causes signals communication translating in sense interpretable as motion or tilt sensed many folks while on boat rides!⠀⠀⠀

After knowing about different regions let’s discover what they do…..

  • The outer ears’ primary function is gathering sound energy.
  • Subsequently funnels sound towards eardrums,
  • Sound waves lead vibrations within bones making up middle compartment transmitting sounds found sensory receptors sensitive enough picking faintest noise possible!

Our ears are incredibly adept at detecting even minor changes in pressure because any slight variation transmitted directly through ossicle chain delivering clearer audibility allowing us differentiate between soft/loud /highs lows!

Causes of Ruptured Eardrums

Before we learn what happens to eardrums when they rupture, let’s talk about what causes them to tear in the first place.

  • Pressure Changes: sudden variations experienced either during flying, scuba diving or sudden loud noises like firecrackers TNT blasts.
  • Foreign Bodies: Something as small as earwax could block your auditory system; people feeling itching often stick foreign objects inside their ears (safety pin/pencil) unknowingly damage eardrum
  • Infections: The presence of fluid build-up around eardrum cause discomfort and eventually rupture it. That’s why many babies/toddlers develop blown-tympanum due ongoing issues such as middle outer ear infections 𝐄𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐡 – youngsters!

Symptoms of Ruptured Eardrums?

So how can you tell if your eardrum has burst? Here are some common symptoms:

  1. Pain
  2. Discharge from the ear(s)
  3. Hearing Loss
  4. Ringing sounds within ears (clinically known tinnitus)
  5. Vertigo i.e., a sensation similar drunkenness resulting from inner ears’ disturbance

It is always advisable that one should visit an ENT(ear,nose & throat) specialist ASAP if any listed above occurs.

What To Expect When Your Eardrum Bursts?

Nowadays technology allowing doctors view inner regions with machines depicting all minute details via hearing test precisely measuring response times calculated determining extent post-hearing diagnosis given.

When an eardrum ruptures,

The brain signals sent causing drastic eye movement accelerating heartrate generating fear when unusual fluid starts flowing out because folks don’t know what’s really happening precariously positioned near sensitive area likely indicating major health issue alarms required!

However…….. also think on bright side – imagine manipulating this trick to impress friends & family. First, act delirious for hours (not medically advised) – then loudly snap both fingers beside their ears screaming ‘Gotcha!’ And witness everyone’s reaction.

On a serious note, after bursting of the eardrum/discharge; enough time needed heal (depending on severity lost otorhinolaryngologist), use types antibiotic ear drops ensuring no foreign bodies particle stuck inside causing additional damage under strict medical guidance.

Natural Remedies Post Eardrum Rupture

Most common cures are readily found within home set-ups without visiting hospital/clinic needing basic health knowledge/remedial skills :

Warm Compresses

This age-old technique solves many issues – fill up water bottles reasonable temperature wrapping it in cloth put against swollen areas because heat robustly dissolves creams making pores and follicles open allowing eventual detoxification body rest!

Tea Tree Oil Drops

Tea tree oil has great antifungal properties helpful in reducing inflammation + keeping away infections. Mix few drops with some coconut oil pour meant onto wad muslin press very gently covering damaged tissue surrounding parts momentarily douse-in before removal.

It is recommended consulting physician beforehand using DIY treatments mentioned above since everyone differ experiences during post-eardrum burst period requires strictly managed attention.

Healing Timeframe

How long does it take to heal a ruptured eardrum fully? Here are some estimates:

  • Smaller Perforations: Could fix by themselves within two months if maintained care properly
  • Moderate Tears: Takes a longer time frame around one to three months until complete recovery restored sound normalcy possible with delicate treatment plan followed diligently
  • Bigger Cavities: Some losses hearing may evident coupled occasional work absences due ongoing hospital visits multiple follow-up checkups requiring rigid discipline healing plan 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 became tedious af!

Essentially doctors try reducing damage extent preserving hearing capabilities post-ruptured tympanic membrane by recommending taking time off work/following strict medical attention. Under no circumstance remove debris stuck randomly (due to irritation) with _something sharp! Doing so might worsen the already damaged area.

Complications?

Any complications causing additional discomfort occur depending health history preexisting conditions concerned individual –

for example, risk of infections arise frequently within folks struggling sinuses/nasal problems leading up to harm than good!

It is always best practice visiting physician for professional consultation get correct diagnosis before settling problems yourself using senseless mechanisms!

Precautions

Prevention considered more effective avoiding getting your eardrum ruptured expensive surgery required repairing it if prevented earlier ! Here are some precautions you could take:

Use Protective Gear

If working/living/attending events where loud sound present; wearing necessary protection such as noise-canceling headphones or foam earplugs recommended in situations managing environment impossible.

Avoid inserting objects inside ears

Aforementioned-sticking stiff plastic/bony tools risking permanent injury know what’s going on during cleaning/digging happening behind auricle distant zone non-professional maintenance hazardous.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a ruptured eardrum can be an unsettling and painful experience. However, proper medical care combined with preventive measures can make all the difference. Remember to monitor any symptoms carefully and consult an ENT specialist promptly in case of suspicion/happening. Not keen being medically violated- utilize alternative natural methods!

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