What is an eardrum rupture? An eardrum rupture is a small hole or tear in your eardrum, or tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane is a thin tissue that divides your middle ear and outer ear canal. This membrane vibrates when sound waves enter your ear. The vibration continues through the bones of the middle ear. Because this vibration allows you to hear, your hearing can suffer if your eardrum is damaged. A ruptured eardrum is also called a perforated eardrum. In rare cases, this condition can cause permanent hearing loss. CAUSES Causes of eardrum rupture Infection Ear infections are a common cause of eardrum rupture, especially in children. During an ear infection, fluids accumulate behind the eardrum. The pressure from the fluid buildup can cause the tympanic membrane to break or rupture. Pressure changes Other activities can cause pressure changes in the ear and lead to a perforated eardrum. This is known as barotrauma, and i...
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