A torn eardrum after a crash: protecting your hearing as it heals
An ear, nose and throat specialist on eardrum tears, hearing and healing
A hit to the ear or a sudden change in pressure can tear the eardrum. Afterward you may have pain, muffled hearing, ringing, dizziness or fluid coming from the ear. Many tears heal on their own. A crash can also hurt the tiny bones of hearing or the inner ear, though. [1, 2]
A doctor should confirm what was damaged and whether you need a formal hearing test. [1, 2]
Keep the ear dry while it heals
Keep water out of the ear. Ask how to protect it when you bathe and when it’s safe to swim again. Don’t put cotton swabs or drops that weren’t prescribed into the ear. Avoid blowing your nose hard. [1, 2]
If you were given medicine, use it exactly as directed. Ask whether the tear was large and whether there was an infection. Find out when someone will look at it again. [1, 2]
Keep track of hearing, balance and drainage
Notice whether your hearing is getting better or still sounds muffled. Tell your care team about ringing that won’t stop, dizziness or drainage. Ask if you need a hearing test and who will go over the results. [1, 2]
If the eardrum doesn’t heal, an ear specialist may talk with you about repairing it. Before blaming a hearing change on the tear alone, make sure other injuries have been considered. [1, 2]
Sudden or severe changes need quick help
Get checked urgently for sudden, major hearing loss, severe spinning dizziness or weakness in the face. The same goes for pain that gets worse along with fever or discharge. After a head injury, clear fluid from the ear or new brain or nerve symptoms need emergency care. Tell the doctor the date of the crash and what happened. [1, 2]
Questions about your ear
- Is the eardrum the only part of my ear that was hurt?
- When will my hearing be tested and the tear checked again?
- What water and activity limits apply to me?
Note which ear and when it's rechecked
Sources and further reading
This article gives general information from the ear, nose and throat field. Hearing loss after a crash can have several causes. Get urgent care for sudden, major hearing loss, severe spinning dizziness or weakness in the face.
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