Ascent Ear Nose & Throat
Tympanic Membrane Perforation Specialist
It is vital to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of a perforated eardrum.
Comprehensive Services
Providing the highest standard of ENT care in Singapore and the region.
Accredited Specialists
Senior ENT surgeons with internationally-recognised fellowship training.
Convenient Locations
4 Clinics conveniently located in Orchard, Napier Road, Thomson, and Joo Chiat.
Common Symptoms of Hole In the Eardrum
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Ear pain
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Sudden hearing loss
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Itching in the ear
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Ear drainages such as blood or pus
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Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
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Spinning sensation (vertigo)
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fever
What Is Tympanic Membrane Perforation?
A hole in the eardrum or tympanic membrane perforation is a rupture in the eardrum due to causes such as an infection or direct head and eardrum trauma. The tympanic membrane or eardrum is a thin sheet of tissue that separates the external ear from the middle ear.
Complications of Hole In the Eardrum
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Hearing loss
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Recurrent ear infections
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Middle ear cyst
Common Causes of Hole In the Eardrum
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Middle ear infection
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Trauma to the head or eardrum
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Pressure changes
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Foreign objects in the ear
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A sudden loud noise
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Shield Plan, or Medisave.
Diagnosis of Hole In the Eardrum
Physical examination
Your doctor will examine your ears using an otoscope (a lighted instrument with a magnifier) to determine if you have a ruptured eardrum.
Hearing test
This series of audio tests measure how well you hear and respond to sounds at different volumes and pitches.
Tuning fork evaluation
This test can detect hearing loss and reveal whether hearing loss is caused by damage to the eardrums or the nerves of the inner ear.
Tympanometry
A tympanometer uses a device inserted into the ear canal that measures the eardrum’s response to slight changes in air pressure and can indicate a perforated eardrum.
Upon receiving a diagnosis, we will guide you through the several treatment options we offer and propose a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Treatment Options for Hole In the Eardrum
Most perforated eardrums heal and resolve on their own without treatment. However, if the hole in the eardrum does not heal by itself due to various reasons, treatment will likely involve procedures to close or repair the tear.
Some of the treatment options may include:
- Medications. Medications such as antibiotics may be prescribed to treat inflammation and infection of perforated eardrums.
- Eardrum patch. If the hole in the eardrum does not close on its own, an ENT specialist may seal it with a paper patch.
- Surgery. If eardrum patches do not result in proper healing or if the hole is severe, surgery may be required to repair the hole. Common surgical procedures include tympanoplasty (using tissue graft) and myringoplasty (repair of tympanic membrane or eardrum).
visit us today
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Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03, Singapore 228510
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Other Practice Locations
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
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3 Mount Elizabeth #09-05 Singapore 228510
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Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
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Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
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Gleneagles Medical Centre
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6 Napier Road #03-12 Singapore 258499
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hole in the eardrum serious? When should I visit a doctor?
While most ruptured eardrums typically heal on their own within a few weeks, you should still seek medical attention if you think that your eardrum has burst, as it may result in complications such as ear infections and hearing loss.
How to prevent hole in the eardrum?
- Limit exposure to loud sounds and wear hearing protection if necessary
- Keep your ears free of foreign objects such as cotton swabs
- Wear earplugs or earmuffs during flight
- Treat ear infections promptly
