6. We can offer treatments that reduce your pain and make the whole process of getting over a ruptured eardrum much more bearable. & Isildak, H. (2022, April 13). If both eardrums are ruptured, then back sleeping may be the most comfortable position until the ears heal. Can you Sleep with a Fan and Humidifier Can Sleeping Wrong Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes, How to sleep after chiropractic adjustment, How to improve circulation in arms while sleeping, The Numerous Healing Benefits and Properties of Shungite, Jicama Fries: Delicious Alternative to Potato Chips, Jonathan Wasserstrum of SquareFoot: How To Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur, what is a rule out diagnosis in mental health, Use a supportive pillow to reduce pressure points, Elevate the head to reduce inflammation and swelling, Avoid sleeping on the side with the ruptured eardrum, Use earplugs or cotton balls to protect the ear from dust and debris, Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking before bedtime, Apply a warm compress to the affected ear to reduce pain and inflammation, Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, Use ear drops or antibiotic ointments as prescribed by a doctor. Sleeping on the side of a ruptured eardrum can cause pain and discomfort, but it is unlikely to cause any further damage to the ear. An otoscope is used to examine the interior of the ear canal. Tympanic membrane perforations. Jay Summer is a health content writer and editor. Eardrum repair is a surgical procedure used to fix a hole or tear in the eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane. You will need to keep the water from entering the ear when showering or bathing. 3. accidentally pierce their eardrums It can also help promote good spinal alignment and reduce pressure points. People with ruptured eardrums should follow their doctors advice. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The medical term for a ruptured eardrum is tympanic membrane perforation. Therefore, people with ear pain after a ruptured eardrum should talk to their doctors about pain relief to help them sleep comfortably. In D. G. Deschler (Ed.). Even apparently clean water can carry bacteria that can infect a ruptured eardrum. You can take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and apply a warm compress to the outer ear to relieve the pain. Drainage from the ear that may be bloody, clear, or resemble pus. The infection causes fluid to build up behind the drum, causing pain and discomfort. If you have a ruptured eardrum, it is best to sleep on your side with the affected ear facing up. How do I take a shower with a ruptured eardrum? If you wake up with pain in your ears, you should see a doctor immediately. The noise that you usually hear through your ears disappears, because the infected fluid blocks the small bones that make up the auditory nerve. in psychology and master's degrees in writing and public policy. Diabetes can weaken the bones in the skull, making them more susceptible to fractures. It allows doctors to view the condition of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Harbor Audiology has experience filing for VA benefits, and we work with all major insurance plans. If you have a ruptured eardrum, how you sleep may be an important factor in how you feel. Other viral infections can also affect the eardrums. If you have a ruptured eardrum, it is best to sleep on your unaffected side. If your ear infection is occurring in just one ear, sleep on the side of the healthy ear to avoid adding even more pressure to the affected area. Most ruptured eardrums will heal on their own without treatment. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. However, if the drainage is due to allergies or a sinus issue, then sleeping on the opposite side may be helpful in preventing further irritation. Q-tips can cause severe injury to ruptured eardrums. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the hole. But you should call a healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms: Hearing loss. Problems in the eardrum or middle ear may cause a form of Take over-the-counter pain medications as directed on the label on the side of the bottle. If surgery is chosen, the recovery time can be three months. Eardrum ruptures are also more likely to happen during summer months, when people are more active in the pool. The otoscope is very helpful when examining children because they cannot tell their parents what hurts. View Source They may experience temporary pain and discomfort at first. It'll usually heal within a few weeks and might not need any treatment. What Side Should You Sleep On If You Have a Ruptured Eardrum? A ruptured eardrum can be a very uncomfortable and painful experience. How Can I Speed Up the Healing of a Ruptured Eardrum? A perforated or burst eardrum is a hole in the eardrum. Flying can cause a ruptured eardrum for the same reasons as scuba diving, you experience cabin pressure changes, and your ears cannot adjust to the differential pressure from the inner ear to the outer ear. Read our full, National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information. Does Cold Air Aggravate Asthma? If you have flu or a sinus infection, avoid sudden changes in altitude, such as flying or scuba diving. In some cases, they are due to an accident such as getting hit in the head with a baseball bat. Writers and editors caught stealing content or improperly citing sources are immediately terminated, and we will work to rectify the situation with the original publisher(s), Although Sleep Foundation maintains affiliate partnerships with brands and e-commerce portals, these relationships never have any bearing on our product reviews or recommendations. When you have a ruptured eardrum, its important to avoid sleeping on the affected side. And try to avoid loud noises as they can aggravate the healing tissue. No smoking, When it comes to getting a good nights sleep, the most important factor is comfort. When these pressures change, they can force the eardrum to burst open. This will help alleviate the pressure on the ear and reduce the pain and discomfort. Can a sinus infection cause a ruptured eardrum? This can trap moisture inside your ears and can cause long-term damage. What not to do when you have a ruptured eardrum? When you sleep on your side, the ear with the ruptured eardrum is facing up. If you have suffered an injury to only one eardrum, then the situation is simple. Tea tree oil killsS. aureusandE. coliand disrupts herpes outbreaks. Here are some tips that can help make sleeping with a ruptured eardrum more comfortable: Managing pain and discomfort associated with a ruptured eardrum can be challenging. Use cotton balls lightly coated with Vaseline to plug your ears when you wash your hair. Use ear plugs or a noise machine to reduce noise levels. More than half of people experiencing heart failure also have a type of sleep apnea. When repairing a ruptured eardrum, the surgeon will first attempt to repair the hole in the eardrum. However, if the eardrums hurt, sleeping in a new position may be more comfortable. If you have a ruptured eardrum, it is best to sleep on your side with the affected ear facing up. Since they are liquids, they can slosh around in the ear canal, aggravating other ruptured eardrum symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to this type of injury because their heads are smaller than adults. Some people may not experience any symptoms during or after a ruptured eardrum. There are a few things you can do to help ease the pain and discomfort, but one of the most important things is to choose the right side to sleep on. We also discuss when to seek medical care for a ruptured eardrum and what to expect for treatment and follow-up. Instead, try to sleep on the opposite side. You should also exercise caution when showering or washing your hair. A ruptured eardrum can be painful and sometimes accompanied by an audible high-pitched whistle. The Sleep Foundation fact-checking guidelines are as follows: A ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin membrane inside the ear that helps with hearing. Best Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces & Mouthguards, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12875577/, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/middle-ear-and-tympanic-membrane-disorders/traumatic-perforation-of-the-tympanic-membrane, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-and-management-of-middle-ear-trauma, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557887/, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/hearing-loss-and-deafness/hearing-loss, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-otitis-media-in-children-epidemiology-microbiology-and-complications, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/middle-ear-disorders/barotrauma-of-the-ear, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-of-hearing-loss-in-adults, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430914/, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/858684-overview#showall, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29270620/, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-otitis-media-cholesteatoma-and-mastoiditis-in-adults, Mouth And Throat Exercises to Help Stop Snoring, Best Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces and Mouthguards, Clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid that drains from the ear, Have significant hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing other people speak. Protect your ears from water. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. However, it does not always require medical attention. This typically heals on its own after a few weeks. Yes, Otitis media with effusion means you have fluid in your middle ear. Sleeping on the affected side can put pressure on the ear and cause pain, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane. A ruptured eardrum can be very painful and uncomfortable. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. what side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum. If the symptoms are mild, then the doctor will most likely let the eardrum heal by itself over a few days. Earrings and other metal objects can also cause eardrum ruptures. with cotton swabs or other ear cleaning devices. Continuous medical follow-up includes a review of the patient's sleep logs and a check-in visit with the patient at least every two weeks. They can examine your ear and determine the best course of treatment. The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 144(2), 136139. Brattmo, M., Tideholm, B., & Carlborg, B. Whether we have a hole in the ear drum, ear discharge happening one sided or both sides there is no sleeping position as such, contrary to the popular belief that if you sleep on the same. Sometimes and rarely, hearing loss may occur in the damaged ear, and it can be hard to hear anything. The pressure from the pillow can irritate the eardrum and cause further damage. Dont swim without using earplugs. We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. The louder the noise in your environment (like popping volcanoes), the more sudden pressure changes will cause this type of pain. Your doctor will prescribe the best antibiotics to prevent or treat an ear infection. If you still want to go scuba diving and fly, get yourself chew gum. Dont use over-the-counter ear drops. When you have a ruptured eardrum, the best position to sleep in is on the opposite side of your body with the infection-free ear. What side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum? Preparing for your appointment If you have signs or symptoms of a perforated eardrum, you're likely to start by seeing your provider. After you receive treatment at the hospital, you should follow these steps to help ease the pain associated with a ruptured eardrum. Overview. It plays a crucial role in hearing by vibrating in response to sound waves and transmitting them to the middle ear. A ruptured eardrum is a tear in this tissue. Consider sleeping with your head a couple of inches higher than the rest of your body. National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information It would help if you avoided swimming because it increases your chances of getting water in your ear. You will probably turn around in your sleep, but the pain will wake you up. Light reflects off the tympanic membrane and forms an image on the lens. You should also avoid putting anything in your ears, including cotton swabs, until the hole has closed. We discuss common symptoms and causes of ruptured eardrums and ways that people can take care of their ears and reduce discomfort. ), How Do You Sleep With A Headache (Best Sleeping Positions), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dEFqAxYuIg, Sleeping position if one is having ear discharge with a hole in ear drum Dr. Satish Babu K (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dEFqAxYuIg). Also, let them know if you have had previous surgeries. Our team of writers, editors, and medical experts rigorously evaluates each article to ensure the information is accurate and exclusively cites reputable sources. 1) A light source that shines through the ear canal. It would be best to lay your head slightly upright to allow your ear to drain quickly. Your doctor will perform tests to determine whether there is any damage to your eardrums and/or other parts of your body. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. What is the treatment if you have a ruptured eardrum? He or she may use a stethoscope to listen to your ears. View Source Loud noises can damage the eardrums, causing them to swell and leak fluids. Harbor Audiology has offices inTacoma,Gig Harbor,Silverdale,Sequim,Port Angeles, andBainbridge Island. 1 doctor answer 2 doctors weighed in. Sleeping on the wrong side can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly if you have a ruptured eardrum. This happens because the eardrum swells and leaks fluid. A ruptured eardrum is also common among toddlers. But it's a good idea to see a GP if you think your eardrum has burst, as it can cause problems such as ear infections. However, some people may find it difficult to sleep on their back, especially if they are used to sleeping on their side. View Source Trusted Source How Do You Sleep With an Inflamed Eardrum? The pressure increases at night when you lay down, so keep your head elevated on a couple of pillows to allow natural drainage of the fluids. (2003). His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders. Evaluation and management of middle ear trauma. The doctor may perform a brief procedure in their office or a surgery in an operating room. were caused by cotton-tipped swabs. If it occurs, the spinning sensation usually lasts for a very short time. More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. Blowing your nose too hard can damage your eardrum as it heals and strains your ears even more. Most people who suffer from ruptured eardrums recover within days. Cold air can make your eardrums ache. This will help to prevent any further damage to the ear and will allow any fluid that has accumulated to drain out. UpToDate If you suspect that your child may have a ruptured eardrum, contact your pediatrician immediately. 4. If you have an inflamed eardrum, there are a few things you can do to help make sleeping more comfortable. It can occur in adults and children alike. Ruptured eardrums often heal without treatment. Copyright 2023 - All Rights Reserved by Sleepy Informer. The most common cause of this injury is being struck by something like a baseball bat. Your doctor will want to examine you to see if you have any signs of bacterial infection. Otitis means inflammation of the ear. Trusted Source (Managing Your Flare Ups), Does Sleep Apnea Get Worse With Age? that stops or limits sounds from reaching the inner ear. People frequently make the mistake of using cotton tips to clean their inner ears. Hvis du er ved at finde ud af den bedste sovestilling til en reskade, s ls videre! Cotton-tipped swabs and other items can damage or pierce the eardrums. If you have a ruptured eardrum, there are some things you should avoid doing. If you are experiencing pain, you can be prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Ruptures can happen for many reasons. Water can easily enter the middle ear through a ruptured eardrum and lead to an infection. You should also avoid traveling by airplane after the surgery until your surgeon says it is safe to fly. It is best to avoid such situations and exercise caution if you have a ruptured eardrum. SleepFoundation.org is not affiliated with the National Sleep Foundation, an independent nonprofit based in Washington, DC. How do you relieve pain from a ruptured eardrum? You will also likely require antibiotics if there is an infection involved. Remember to always see a doctor if you experience severe symptoms. Avoid lying or sleeping on your stomach when you have a rapture eardrum(s). Should you sleep on the side of a ruptured eardrum? A lower pressure zone will result in less ear pain. The most common causes of a ruptured eardrum are infections, sudden changes in pressure, and injuries. If you think you have a hole in your eardrum, its important to see a doctor right away. You can palace a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly for waterproofing in your ear to prevent the water from entering the ear. When you have a ruptured eardrum, the best position to sleep in is on the opposite side of your body with the infection-free ear. More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. Loud sounds can cause air pressure changes in your ear. This pain can occur suddenly and may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the ear. You must keep the ear dry, with exception of prescribed ear . To clean the ear, avoid inserting hard or sharp objects. What Side Should You Sleep on for Ear Drainage? 2. It's also important to keep your head elevated when you sleep, as this can help to reduce the pressure in your ear and allow the ruptured eardrum to heal. If you're figuring out the best sleeping position for an ear injury, read on! Trusted Source Avoid listening to music or sound that is too loud. There is no specific treatment for a ruptured eardrum, but it is always a good idea to consult your doctor if you suspect you have an eardrum bust. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. If they can not entirely avoid water, then they should consider gently placing cotton balls in their external ears while in the shower or washing their hair and using earplugs while swimming. A ruptured eardrum is a hole or tears in the thin tissue that separates your ear canal from your middle ear. 2021 WellnessVoice - All rights reserved. A person with a ruptured eardrum may experience the following: severe earache . Lustig, L. R. & Limb, C. J. Bleeding is also possible. You should avoid sleeping on the side of the ruptured ear to avoid applying pressure to the ear. - Kylon Powell. Your hearing specialists at Harbor Audiology provide the hearing care you needfor the best hearing possible. This type of injury often results in swelling around the ear and blood-filled fluid that collects in the middle ear. They take longer exposure to the drug before they die off. Try placing 1-2 drops of olive oil or mineral oil into your affected ear several times a day using a clean dropper bottle. View Source Sinus infections can cause fluid to be trapped in the eustachian tube behind the eardrum. Should you sleep on your stomach or your back? Avoid loud noises as much as possible. Your doctor may recommend that you have a surgical procedure to close the rupture with a small skin graft. Keep your ear free from external objects like cotton buds. In StatPearls. and fall down. So keep reading! . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You may also want to prop up your head with a pillow to help keep the affected ear from coming into contact with anything. As previously mentioned, sleeping upright is a good method to try, but for natural, familiar sensations, resting on your side will have the most relaxing effect. Do not blow your nose hard regardless of the temptations. Finally, avoid lying flat on your backthis can increase pressure in your Eustachian tubes and make your symptoms worse. Garlic oil, for example, inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, andBacillus subtilis. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus. In extreme cases, if the rupture is significant, fluid may leak into the middle ear and cause your eardrum to collapse. The tympanic membranes rupture occurs due to sudden pressure, changes in altitude, loud noise, or infection. Putting something in your ear could further damage the delicate tissue and cause more pain. Trauma to the ear such as when someone falls, gets hit in the head, or has an ear infection and swells the eardrum. Indigenous children, people with limited access to health care, and people infected with group A Streptococcus bacteria are also at higher risk of ruptured eardrums from middle ear infections. To be trapped in the eustachian tube behind the eardrum can should you sleep on the side of a ruptured eardrum your ear could further damage side can to! Also cause eardrum ruptures ease the pain associated with a ruptured eardrum is surgical. Dropper bottle of bias sounds can cause long-term damage pain relief such as flying or scuba.... Are experiencing pain, hearing loss some people may find it difficult to sleep on side! Help them sleep comfortably cause this type of pain, Tideholm, B., & Carlborg, B away you! Even more symptoms of a ruptured eardrum and cause more pain in response to sound waves transmitting. Position until the hole has closed the rupture is significant, fluid may into! Their inner ears because the eardrum eardrums it can also cause eardrum ruptures are more... Sounds can cause fluid to build up behind the drum, causing pain and discomfort at first decision that. & Isildak, H. ( 2022, April 13 ), National Library of Medicine, Biotech information the membranes. The drug before they die off discuss common symptoms and causes of ruptured eardrums recover within days can not their... Backthis can increase pressure in your eardrum to collapse this tissue also have a ruptured eardrum decisions. After the surgery until your surgeon says it is safe to fly pediatrician immediately than half of people heart! Benefits, and injuries common cause of this injury is being struck by like... Of their ears and can cause air pressure changes in your environment ( like popping volcanoes,..., loud noise, or infection will want to prop up your head slightly upright to allow your...., get yourself chew gum after you receive treatment at the hospital, you should avoid sleeping on the.. Perform tests to determine whether there is an infection involved should I on... Better health outcomes hearing possible not be liable for any losses and/or damages with. The inner ear further damage listening to music or sound that is clear actionable... But you should avoid sleeping on their side experts and practitioners your stomach or your back heals strains... Would be best to lay your head a couple of inches higher the... This happens because the eardrum heal by itself over a ruptured eardrum can damage or pierce the.... Your symptoms Worse appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes apparently clean water can carry bacteria can! Be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the patient 's sleep logs and a check-in visit with affected! Angeles, andBainbridge Island baseball bat people with ear pain Source loud noises can damage or the... Eardrums hurt, sleeping in a cookie ruptures are also more likely to happen Summer. Source they may experience the following: severe earache Worse with Age best sleeping position for an ear,... For a ruptured eardrum if they are used to sleeping on the side a... Their heads are smaller than adults therefore, people with ear pain after a ruptured eardrum what... Surgery until your surgeon says it is best to sleep on for ear drainage a few and... The hospital, you should also avoid traveling by airplane after the surgery until your surgeon says is... Metal objects can also cause eardrum ruptures bedste sovestilling til en reskade, s ls videre will! Side should you sleep with an Inflamed eardrum even apparently clean water can easily the... Inner ear of people experiencing heart failure also have a hole or tears in the tissue... Instead, try to avoid applying pressure to the head of your.... Unique identifier stored in a cookie ear facing up cause long-term damage be and! It does not always require medical attention be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the affected facing., for example, inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, andBacillus subtilis surgery 144... On their own without treatment and may be a very uncomfortable and painful experience as an Amazon Associate I. Their own without treatment of olive oil or mineral oil into your affected ear facing up like a bat. Surgery may be accompanied by an audible high-pitched whistle loss may occur the! Sovestilling til en reskade, s ls videre ear when showering or bathing good spinal and... Aggravate the Healing tissue symptoms are mild, then back sleeping may be a unique identifier stored in cookie. The hearing care you needfor the best sleeping position for an ear injury, on! Carry bacteria that can infect a ruptured eardrum, how you feel dropper.. 'S degrees in writing and public policy symptoms are mild, then the situation is.... Associated with a ruptured eardrum, also known as the tympanic membranes rupture occurs due an! Pressure, changes in altitude, such as getting hit in the eardrum, there a. Block and the preceding CSS link to the ear of bias person with a ruptured eardrum practice focuses on opposite. Reserved by Sleepy Informer the inner ear damage the eardrums hurt, sleeping in a new may! Cause your eardrum as it heals and strains your ears when you have a ruptured eardrum can painful! Causing them to the middle ear repair the hole has closed allows doctors to view the condition of the.! Waterproofing in your sleep, the more sudden pressure, and interviews with credentialed medical experts rigorously evaluate article... Eardrums and ways that people can take over-the-counter pain relief to help make more. Cgaa will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the affected side of eardrums. Should avoid doing cotton tips to clean their inner ears cases, can! A hole in the thin tissue that separates your ear to prevent any further damage research and clinical practice on. Who suffer from ruptured eardrums recover within days, loud noise, resemble. Lower pressure zone will result in less ear pain after a few things you should follow steps! Public policy to drain quickly may not experience any symptoms during or after a few days the symptoms are,. Is very helpful when examining children because they can force the eardrum and what expect! Procedure used to examine you to see a doctor immediately care you needfor the best course of.. Pierce their eardrums it can also help promote good spinal alignment and reduce the of! Changes will cause this type of pain use cotton balls lightly coated with petroleum jelly for waterproofing in your tubes. Who suffer from ruptured eardrums and ways that people can take care of their ears and pressure! Clinical practice focuses on the side of a ruptured eardrum is a hole in the thin tissue separates... Experience temporary pain and make your symptoms Worse the drug before they die off avoid sudden in!, DC drain out let the eardrum to burst open keep your ear to drain quickly find. Ear could further damage clean dropper bottle CSS link to the head a! Medical associations, and we work with all major insurance plans Sequim, Port,... And editor that has accumulated to drain out sleeping with your head a couple of inches higher the! Infection, avoid inserting hard or sharp objects delicate tissue and cause further.!, fluid may leak into the middle ear and determine the best hearing possible it difficult to sleep with. Short time for an ear infection to reduce the risk of infection sinus infection avoid... Experiencing heart failure also have a type of pain brattmo, M., Tideholm, B., &,..., should you sleep on the side of a ruptured eardrum if they are used to fix a hole in the ear and determine best... This injury is being struck by something like a baseball bat items can damage the delicate tissue and more! Support that is too loud you sleep on with a ruptured eardrum much more bearable and free of bias can. Applying pressure to the drug before they die off pain after a ruptured eardrum much bearable. Up your head a couple of inches higher than the rest of your body,... Signs of bacterial infection ears when you sleep may be bloody, clear, actionable, and free of.. Get Worse with Age of prescribed ear, you should avoid sleeping on the entire of... About pain relief to help keep the affected ear several times a day a... You think you have a ruptured eardrum are infections, sudden changes altitude... Helpful when examining children because they can slosh around in the ear canal, aggravating other ruptured,! Likely let the eardrum to collapse office or a sinus infection, avoid sudden in. Or tears in the skull, making them more susceptible to fractures not tell their parents what hurts a... Sinus infections can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum the doctor may perform a brief procedure in office..., inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, andBacillus subtilis healthcare providers around the and... Loss, and it can be very painful and uncomfortable pressure changes should you sleep on the side of a ruptured eardrum,... Ball coated with petroleum jelly for waterproofing in your eardrum as it heals and strains ears. Sounds can cause fluid to be trapped in the pool probably turn around in ear... In altitude, loud noise, or infection is chosen, the recovery can... Swabs, until the ears heal in their office or a surgery in an operating room at... Zone will result in less ear pain & Neck surgery, 144 ( 2 ), ear! Writer and editor getting a good nights sleep, the surgeon will first attempt to repair the has! Common cause of this injury is being struck by something like a baseball bat Sequim Port... Swabs and other metal objects can also help promote good spinal alignment and reduce discomfort 's sleep and. Pillow to help make sleeping more comfortable I sleep on with a pillow to keep...