Best 9 Ways to Avoid Having a Perforated Eardrum

Even the term “perforated eardrum” can make you wince, doesn’t it?  Your eardrum has a hole or a tear, and that’s a description that makes you want to avoid it at all costs. It starts with pain that can increase until it suddenly decreases, but there’s also hearing loss, tinnitus, drainage from the ear, and vertigo to worry about.

Thankfully, this is a problem that you can prevent as long as you’re very careful. Heeding these tips can help as well:

1. If you notice any signs of an ear infection, get yourself to a doctor quickly. An ear infection can cause fluid or pus to build up behind your eardrum. With enough pressure, the eardrum can burst open.
2. Don’t stick anything deep inside your ears. This is good advice, even if you want to clean your ears. The cotton swabs you use to poke into your ear may instead poke right through your eardrum.
3. If you do manage to get something stuck inside your ear, get to a clinic and have it removed by a healthcare professional. Don’t try to get the thing out yourself, as you may just end up damaging your eardrum.
4. If you have a cold or a sinus infection, avoid flying on an airplane or driving on a mountain road. Don’t go scuba diving either. These activities can cause sudden changes in pressure for your ears that can rupture your eardrum and the cold or sinus infection can just make it worse.
5. If you really have to fly with a sinus condition, chew a bit of gum during the takeoff and landing. These are the times that cause the sudden changes in temperature. You can also try swallowing or yawning to equalize the pressure in your ears. However, do NOT blow your nose while you pinch your nostrils shut. This is not recommended at all.
6. If you’re going to go scuba diving, get yourself certified. This means you’ve learned your lessons well so you know how to equalize the pressure in your ears. You’ll also know not to go scuba diving if you have a cold, a sinus infection, or an ear infection.
7. Cover your ears or use ear plugs if you know you’re going to be exposed to loud noises. Do this if you’re in a firing range or you’re using a noise lawnmower or construction drill.
8. Stay away from the speakers in a club or live concert.
9. Drive carefully and protect yourself during sports. During these times you can get into an accident and suffer head trauma that can tear the eardrum.

As ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT doctor for the appropriate ENT services and treatment.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk