Perforated Ear Drum
A perforated ear drum is a hole in the ear drum.Etiology for Perforated Ear Drum
A perforated ear drum happens when there is some sort of trauma to the ear drum. Types of trauma include penetrating trauma (the most common of which is a Q-tip) and barotrauma (trauma caused by pressure changes). Anything that is inappropriately inserted into the ear canal can penetrate the ear drum and cause a hole. Examples include Q-tips, bobby pins, sticks, toys, etc. Barotrauma can be caused by scuba-diving, travel in an airplane, a bad ear infection or cold that causes fluid build-up in the middle ear, violent sneezing, etc.