A tympanic membrane perforation is a tear or hole in the eardrum, which can result from infection, injury (like poking with a cotton bud), loud noise, or sudden pressure changes.
 

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden ear pain or relief if pressure was building

• Hearing loss

• Ear discharge (sometimes bloody or infected)

• Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
   

ENT treatment options:

• Observation – small perforations often heal on their own within weeks

• Ear precautions – keep the ear dry and avoid inserting anything into it

• Antibiotic drops – if there’s an infection

• Surgical repair (tympanoplasty) – if the hole doesn’t heal or causes persistent hearing loss