A ruptured eardrum occurs when there is a perforation in the thin membrane that separates the outer ear canal from the middle ear. This membrane is called the tympanic membrane. So the medical terminology for a ruptured eardrum is "perforated tympanic membrane."

Causes:
The most common causes of a ruptured eardrum are:
• An object inserted into the ear such as a cotton swab or bobby pin
• A forceful blow to the ear
• An extremely loud noise such as an explosion
• Acid entering the ear
• Sudden air pressure changes from air travel or diving
• Ear infections

Symptoms:
Hearing loss accompanied by pain and bloody drainage may indicate a ruptured eardrum caused by infection. Hearing loss and/or ringing in the ear after a forceful blow, loud explosion, cleaning the ear with a cotton swab, riding in an airplane, or diving also point to the probability of a ruptured eardrum. Pain may or may not be present.

Treatment:
Sometimes a small perforation will heal on its own, but it can take weeks or months. It always needs a physician's attention immediately. If you suspect you may have a ruptured eardrum, be very careful to avoid getting water into your ear. Often the physician will recommend a surgical repair of the perforation. This is done by an ENT surgeon. This procedure is called a tympanoplasty.