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Eardrum repair - series—Indication

Indication

Overview

Ruptured or perforated eardrums are usually caused by middle-ear infections or trauma (for example, an object in the ear, a slap on the ear, explosions, or repeated, excessive ear pressure from flying or diving).

If healing does not occur with antibiotics or other non-operative treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Chronic middle ear infections are described as:

  • 5 or more ear infections in a year, or
  • 3 or more ear infections a year over a two-year period

Signs of chronic ear infections include persistent ear pain, ear drainage, or hearing loss (over a 3-month period).

Review Date 5/2/2024

Updated by: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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