Causes of a ruptured eardrum include:

• Pressure from an ear infection

• Putting an object such as a cotton swab or pencil into the ear

• A very loud noise such as a gunshot close to the ear

• Rapid changes in air pressure. These can happen during scuba diving or traveling at high altitudes.

• A slap or blow to the ear

Seek medical care right away if you:

• Have severe pain, bleeding, or ringing in your ear.

• Lose your hearing suddenly.

• Become very dizzy for no reason.

• Have an object lodged in your ear.

A ruptured eardrum from an ear infection usually isn't an emergency. In fact, the rupture often relieves pressure and pain. It usually heals within hours or days. But you should have the ear looked at by a healthcare provider within 24 hours.

Your ear will be examined. Treatment will depend on how severe the damage is. Small holes often heal on their own. A small patch may be placed over a minor eardrum tear. Large tears may need to be repaired during an operation. If you are very dizzy or have severe hearing loss, you are likely to stay in the hospital for treatment for one or more days.

Don't clean inside the ear canal with cotton swabs or any other object.