The eardrum, which is a fine membrane inside the inner ear that receives sound, is a very fragile part of the copy. So fragile in fact; that a bad cleaning technique for the ear, a violent impact, otitis or earache, or even deep sea diving could cause a perforation of the eardrum. High pressure on this perforation, such as high underwater pressure for example, and the eardrum could finish by bursting.
A perforated eardrum can sometimes be dramatic, and in these cases cause a lot of pain. However, certain non-violent perforations have been observed in some cases, such as chronic otitis, to relieve the pressure on the eardrum caused by a buildup of pus. In the case of a burst eardum, it is very important to not submerge the ear in water – the ear is no longer watertight and as such, water can enter the inner ear where it may cause infection and longer term damage.
The signs of a pierced eardrum are relatively discreet, for example a slight loss of hearing if the perforation is small. However, if the eardum has been more greatly affected, there could be a loss of 20 to 30 decibels worth of hearing loss.
In the majority of cases the eardrum will repair itself over the course of 2 to 3 months. If the membrane does not reconstruct itself, an eardrum transplant could be possible because the perforation could be too larger to heal over normally. This is the reason why you should be very careful in cases of perforated eardrums!
Small daily gestures can also help reduce the risk of perforation, mainly around habits when cleaning your ears. An excess of earwax in the auditory canal should be cleaned regularly with cotton buds, which are normally advised against because they are too violent! You can try using ear treatments sold at a pharmacy to clear the excess buildup safely and without causing damage. Avoid other types of remedies, for example involving vacuum or suckers, as they can have undesirable side effects if not performed properly.
Good aural hygiene also involves avoiding excessive noise – daily use of headphones is not advised! Divers should also remember to equalise the pressure in their ears by pinching their nose and redistributing air at regular intervals underwater.
These simple gestures could help you avoid problems or complications with your ears.
 Marie Charlotte GERMOND
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27/08/2021 | 
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