![\"A](\"https:\/\/everhear.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/ear-pain-ent-1280x853.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve ruptured your eardrum, it means you have a hole or tear in the membrane that divides your outer and middle ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Sharp ear pain that subsides quickly<\/li>
- Drainage from the ear<\/li>
- Hearing loss<\/a><\/li>
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)<\/li>
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)<\/li>
- Nausea<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While a ruptured eardrum usually heals on its own, it\u2019s important to see an expert at Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic<\/span> to have it evaluated. They can prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection, and they can place a patch over the ruptured area if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Middle Ear Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A middle ear infection, also known as otitis<\/a> media, describes when you have fluid buildup behind the eardrum. In some cases, bacteria grows in this fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of a middle ear infection include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ear pain<\/li>
- Drainage from the ear<\/li>
- Hearing loss<\/li>
- Trouble balancing<\/li>
- Tugging on the ears (this is a common sign of otitis media in children)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, a physician will take a wait-and-see approach, though sometimes antibiotics that you can pick up at Bartell Drugs uptown are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign Object in the Ear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Though young children are most likely to put foreign objects in their ears, adults also do this \u2013 usually, it is a cotton swab in an effort to clean the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signs there is a foreign object in your ear, or that a foreign object like a cotton swab has been inserted too deeply include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ear pain<\/li>
- Drainage from the ear<\/li>
- Hearing loss<\/li>
- Infection<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
An expert ENT physician at Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic<\/span> can remove the object or evaluate for potential damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. When the TMJ isn\u2019t functioning properly, it is known as temporomandibular joint disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TMJ disorder can result in symptoms such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw.<\/li>
- Difficulty chewing<\/li>
- Lockjaw<\/li>
- Ear pain<\/li>
- Hearing loss<\/li>
- Tinnitus<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
TMJ disorder is usually treated with a combination of an oral appliance or mouth guard and physical therapy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic<\/span> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n