Eardrum Perforation Services in Atlanta, GA


Get Eardrum Perforation treatment at our Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, or Dacula Offices.

Eardrum Perforation

At Northeast Atlanta ENT (with ear clinic locations in Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, and Dacula), we start by listening and asking you the right questions about your lifestyle and listening situations. We combine that information with an in depth evaluation, and only then do we customize a solution just for you. There are many Eardrum Perforation Treatment options available.

What Causes Eardrum Perforations?

Many things can cause an eardrum to rupture. A few common causes include:

  • Ear infections: Occasionally inner ear infections (otitis media) can cause pressure to build up from pus on the inside of the eardrum leading to a rupture of the tympanic membrane. It’s the body’s way of relieving the pressure and allowing the pus to drain and get out of the ear.
  • Trauma: Direct trauma from things put in the ear like cotton swabs or other small objects can poke a hole in the eardrum.
  • Loud noises: Even loud sudden bursts of sound, like that of a gunshot or explosion, can perforate the tympanic membrane.

Sudden changes in pressure: Flying, scuba diving or even driving into the mountains can cause the eardrum to rupture, usually if the change in barometric pressure is sudden and intense.

What Are the Symptoms of an Eardrum Perforation?

Many people are surprised to find out that when the eardrum ruptures it doesn’t usually result in pain, in fact, if there is pain from an ear infection, it often suddenly and dramatically decreases when the eardrum ruptures.

However, after the rupture, some other symptoms may occur, including:

  • Discharge or bleeding from the ear 
  • A buzzing or ringing in the ear
  • Decreased hearing 
  • A weakness of the face, or dizziness (only in the most severe cases)
  • Ear discomfort

How is a Perforated Eardrum Identified?

By looking in your ear with an instrument called an otoscope, our providers at Northeast Atlanta ENT can see if an eardrum is perforated. Occasionally, pus draining from the ear may obstruct the view of the eardrum and the pus will need to be cleared out of the ear canal before a perforation can be identified. If a perforation is identified and hearing is noticeably decreased, we can perform audiology testing to measure how much hearing has been lost.

What is the Treatment for an Eardrum Perforation?

The majority of eardrum perforations heal on their own, typically within a few weeks. Warm compresses and keeping the ear dry are usually all that’s needed to care for a perforated eardrum.

If hearing is significantly affected, the perforation is large or hasn’t healed within two months, a minor surgery known as a tympanoplasty is done to repair the perforation. Small holes may be repaired with a gel or special paper that is placed over the eardrum.

Typically, most eardrum perforations are not a reason for alarm. Hearing loss, if any, tends to be temporary if the rupture heals completely and does not involve the majority of the eardrum.

If you think or know that you’ve perforated your eardrum and it’s not healing as you think it should, contact Northeast Atlanta ENT today and come see us at one of our three convenient locations in Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, and Dacula so our specialist can ensure a proper healing of your eardrum and minimize any long term complications.

Get Eardrum Perforation Treatment Today!

We also have a selection of convenient financing options that will get you on a path to better ear health without delay. Be sure to ask your doctor at one of our three convenient locations (Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, or Dacula) about the financing options we offer to patients in need of Eardrum Perforation treatment.w