Dr. Archana Jhawar | Senior ENT Specialist | 25 Years of Experience
A ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the eardrum that may cause ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or recurrent ear infections.
Dr. Archana Jhawar, Senior ENT Specialist with 25 years of experience, evaluates and treats eardrum perforations at Neoalta Specialty Clinic, Vashi, and Kokilaben Hospital, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai.
A detailed ear examination using video otoscopy and hearing assessment helps identify the exact size, cause and severity of the perforation and determine whether the perforation is likely to heal naturally or requires determine whether the perforation is likely to heal naturally or requires tympanoplasty (microscopic or endoscopic eardrum repair surgery).
Common causes of eardrum perforation or hole include:
If you recognize the signs of a ruptured ear drum, it helps you to decide when to visit an ENT specialist near you.Patients with eardrum rupture may experience:
Diagnosis begins with examination of the eardrum using video otoscopy.
Dr Archana Jhawar at our ENT clinic in Vashi, & Koparkhairana Navi Mumbai, performs tympanic membrane examination using video otoscope, if required ear microscopy is performed.
Patients are shown the live status of the ear drum on a monitor so they understand the condition and the recommended treatment.
Hearing is assessed with pure tone audiometry to determine the effect of the perforation on hearing.
Many small recent eardrum perforations can heal naturally within a few weeks, especially when infection is controlled and water precautions are followed.
However, larger or chronic perforations may fail to close on their own and can lead to repeated ear discharge or hearing difficulty.
Regular ENT follow-up is important during the healing phase.
Many acute and traumatic eardrum perforations heal naturally with appropriate treatment and proper precautions.
At Neoalta ENT Clinic in Vashi, we follow a watchful waiting protocol under specialist supervision for up to a month, depending on the cause, size of the perforation, and presence of infection.
To support the spontaneous healing of a tympanic membrane perforation, conservative treatment includes:
Microscopic or endoscopic eardrum repair surgery (Tympanoplasty) is recommended if:
Non-Healing Perforation: The hole fails to close naturally after an adequate period of observation (usually 2–3 months).
Chronic Ear Discharge: Fluid or pus leakage continues despite appropriate medical treatment—a condition known as Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM).
Progressive Hearing Loss: The eardrum damage significantly reduces hearing clarity, impacting daily activities.
Large or Complex Perforation: The perforation is exceptionally large, marginal, or long-standing.
Recurrent Infections: Frequent middle ear infections keep returning every time water enters the ear or you catch a cold.
If the hearing bones (ossicles) are also damaged, ossiculoplasty may be performed during the same surgery.
The primary goals of surgery are to seal the perforation, eliminate recurrent infections, and improve hearing whenever possible.
Not every eardrum perforation requires surgery. Your ENT specialist will recommend tympanoplasty only when the expected long-term benefits outweigh the risks and conservative treatment is unlikely to be successful.
Learn more about Learn more about Tympanoplasty (Eardrum Repair Surgery).
You should seek ENT evaluation if:
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help reduce the risk of persistent hearing loss, recurrent infections and long-term damage to the middle ear.
Dr Archana Jhawar is senior ENT Specialist in Vashi Navi Mumbai with 25 years of experience in treating tympanic membrane perforations and chronic ear infections.
She provides comprehensive care ranging from conservative treatment to advanced microscopic and endoscopic tympanoplasty.
Having performed thousands of successful microscopic ear surgeries, she offers patients expert care at every stage- from diagnosis to complete recovery.
You can consult her at:
📍 Neoalta Speciality Clinic, Vashi
📍 Kokilaben Hospital, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai
Yes. Many small, recent eardrum perforations heal naturally within a few weeks, especially when infection is controlled.
Treating the underlying cause and following your ENT specialist’s advice help improve the chances of natural healing.
However, larger or long-standing perforations that do not heal even after 2-3 months of observation may require tympanoplasty (eardrum repair surgery).
Most small eardrum perforations heal within 3–4 weeks. Larger perforations or those associated with infection may take up to 2–3 months.
If the eardrum does not heal naturally, an ENT specialist near you will determine whether tympanoplasty (eardrum repair surgery) is required.
No. Most small and acute eardrum perforations may not require surgery.
Tympanoplasty is usually recommended when the perforation fails to heal naturally, causes recurrent ear discharge, significant hearing loss, or repeated middle ear infections.
It is important to keep the affected ear dry until the eardrum has healed.
Avoid swimming, water sports, and water entering the ear during bathing or showering, as this may increase the risk of middle ear infection.
You should consult an ENT specialist if you have persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, severe ear pain, dizziness, or has not healed after 2–3 months of observation.
Early evaluation helps determine whether the perforation is healing naturally or whether further treatment, including tympanoplasty, may be required.
Need an ENT Consultation for a Ruptured Eardrum in Vashi, Navi Mumbai?
A detailed ear examination can determine whether your eardrum is likely to heal naturally or whether tympanoplasty (eardrum repair surgery) is required.
