How to manage a ruptured eardrum with pain and ringing?

Question

Hello doctor,

I went to the doctor six days ago because five days ago, in the morning, I woke up to brownish discharge and light blood coming out of my ear. They diagnosed me with a ruptured eardrum and gave me a ten-day course of antibiotics. They said to come back in ten days to evaluate whether it will need surgery or if it will repair itself. They instructed me to keep everything dry and to use cotton on the outer area to help keep it dry.

I am still in pain, and I hear ringing. There is still a lot of discharge inside. The ringing is getting louder than usual, and there is a lot of pressure. I would say it feels like my eardrum is about to pop, but it is already ruptured. It feels a lot worse today as the day goes on, and I am unsure what to do.

Please help me.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your query and understand your concerns.

Given that you have a confirmed ruptured eardrum and are on antibiotics but are experiencing worsening pain, increased pressure, louder ringing (tinnitus), and persistent discharge, this could indicate a few things:

Infection persistence or worsening: The infection might still be active or worsening, despite antibiotics. Sometimes fluid or pus builds up behind the eardrum, increasing pressure and pain.
Possible complications: Severe pain and increased pressure with a ruptured eardrum can occasionally lead to complications such as a middle ear abscess or worsening inflammation.
Hearing changes or worsening tinnitus: The louder ringing and increased pressure are concerning and require prompt evaluation.

What you should do now:

Seek urgent medical care or evaluation by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist immediately.
Since your symptoms are worsening despite antibiotics, it is important to be assessed quickly to prevent complications.
Do not try to clean the ear yourself or insert anything beyond what your doctor instructed. Keep it dry and protected.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, unless contraindicated, to help manage discomfort.

What to expect at follow-up:

An ENT specialist may perform an ear exam and possibly order imaging or take ear swabs to check for ongoing infection.
They may change your antibiotics if needed or perform a procedure to drain fluid if present.
Surgery may be necessary if the eardrum does not heal or if the infection persists.

Your worsening symptoms, increasing pain, and louder tinnitus are red flags. Go to the emergency room or see an ENT specialist as soon as possible for urgent re-evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.