Perforated Eardrum

A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear within the eardrum. There are a few reasons this can happen, with the most common being caused by an ear infection - although going too far into the ear with cotton buds, changes in air pressure when flying and sudden loud noises can also cause this type of damage.

Signs of a perforated eardrum:

• Ear pain
• Sudden loss of hearing
• Itchy ear
• Sounds such as high-pitched tones coming from inside the ear (tinnitus)
• A high temperature
• Discharge from the ear

In most cases, a perforated eardrum will clear up on its own, but its best to see a GP - there is a higher chance of ear infection and in some more severe cases, surgery may be required.