Also known as a perforated eardrum, a ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in the eardrum, typically producing sudden, intense pain, a bloodstained discharge from the ear, and impaired hearing.
A ruptured eardrum most commonly results from infection of the middle ear (otitis media). It may also be caused by pressure damage (barotrauma) or injury, for example, due to a blow or poking something into the ear.
Treatment is usually with medication to eliminate the infection and relieve pain.
With treatment, the eardrum usually heals within about a month, although rarely surgery to repair the eardrum may be needed