Eardrum Perforation
A hole or tear in the eardrum — often after an infection or pressure injury. What it is, why it happens, and how a consultant can help it heal or be repaired.
An eardrum perforation is a hole or tear in the thin membrane that separates your ear canal from the middle ear.
Most perforations heal on their own within a few weeks, and the priority while they do is keeping the ear clean and dry. When a hole stays open, causes repeated infections or affects your hearing, a consultant can confirm what's happening and talk you through whether it needs treating or repairing.
Symptoms of eardrum perforation.
A perforation often announces itself the moment it happens — sudden pain that eases, sometimes with a little discharge.
Why it happens.
A perforation usually happens when something stretches, infects or physically tears the eardrum. The common culprits are worth knowing, because they shape how it's treated.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Confirmed by looking directly at the eardrum.
Mr Huw Jones, Consultant ENT Surgeon, examines the ear and looks directly at the eardrum to confirm the perforation, its size and where it sits. Where a closer view helps, an endoscopic examination of the ear, nose and throat can be carried out at the same visit (£390), and a hearing assessment shows whether the hole is affecting how well you hear. Together these decide whether it's likely to heal on its own or would benefit from treatment.
How eardrum perforation is treated.
Many perforations heal without any procedure — so we start by confirming whether yours needs more than time and care.
A full ENT examination with Mr Huw Jones to confirm the perforation, check your hearing and advise whether it's healing or needs treating.
A detailed, magnified look at the eardrum and ear canal when a standard examination needs confirming — carried out at your visit.
Settling any infection and keeping the ear dry gives most perforations the best chance to heal. Where recurrent fluid or eustachian tube problems are behind it, your consultant will discuss options such as a grommet, and explain any treatment and its cost before you go ahead.
A hole that stays open may be closed with an operation to patch the eardrum. Where this is the right step, your consultant will explain it and arrange the appropriate care.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Will a perforated eardrum heal by itself? +
Usually, yes. Most perforations close on their own within a few weeks, especially the ones caused by an infection or a sudden pressure change. The main thing is to keep the ear clean and dry while it heals. If it hasn't settled after a few weeks, that's the point to have it assessed.
Can I fly or swim with a perforated eardrum? +
It's best to keep water out of the ear and to be cautious with flying and diving until it has healed, as both can worsen things or let infection in. Your consultant can examine the eardrum and tell you when it's safe to get back to swimming or travel.
Do I need a referral to be seen for this? +
No — you can arrange an ENT appointment with us directly, with no referral letter needed, and often within the week. The initial consultation with the consultant is £200, with follow-ups at £150.
What happens at the appointment, and what will it cost? +
Mr Huw Jones examines the ear, confirms the perforation and checks your hearing. Where a closer look helps, an endoscopic examination can be done at the same visit (£390). The £200 consultation covers the assessment; if any treatment is needed, its cost is explained and agreed with you individually first.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.