Concerns About Eardrum Damage Following a Swim
**Background Information:** I am a 29-year-old man in good health. Throughout my childhood, I experienced issues with my right ear, which was prone to sensitivity, pain, and infections. At one point, I was diagnosed with a small perforation in my eardrum, which was said to be minor and expected to heal naturally. Fortunately, I haven't encountered any problems for the past decade, even while engaging in activities like swimming and diving. Recently, however, everything changed. About four days ago, while swimming, I leapt from a considerable height into the water, and afterward, I noticed my hearing on the right side became muffled. Oddly enough, I did not experience any pain at that moment. Since that incident, my hearing has remained diminished; I estimate roughly a 10% loss in auditory function in my right ear. Sounds, particularly bass, have become significantly less clear—about 80% of the bass response is gone when I use headphones. There's also an uncomfortable sensation of pressure, accompanied by tinnitus. To address the situation, I used a small ear cleaning tool that I keep at home for occasional wax removal. I ensured it was sanitized before examining my ear and discovered a hole in the eardrum. I have scheduled an appointment with an ENT specialist, but the wait could take up to 15 days. I’m feeling quite anxious about the potential for recovery. Given these circumstances, what are the chances that this might heal on its own? Note that I do not have any symptoms like fever, pain, or dizziness, which adds to my concerns while I await my appointment with the ENT specialist.
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 10:30:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious given the changes you’ve experienced with your ear, especially considering your previous history with eardrum issues. The symptoms you’re describing, such as muffled hearing and tinnitus following trauma while swimming, suggest that you might have a perforated eardrum again. This condition can sometimes improve on its own, but the healing process can vary.
Explanation
When there’s a perforation (a hole) in the eardrum, it can affect your hearing due to disrupted sound transmission. The absence of pain is a positive sign, but the presence of muffled hearing and tinnitus indicates that your ear is experiencing some stress. Many minor perforations can heal naturally over time, often within several weeks to months, but the success of this healing depends on the size and location of the perforation, among other factors.
Next Steps
While you await your ENT appointment, here are some prioritized actions you can take:
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Avoid Getting Water in Your Ear:
- When showering or swimming, protect your ear by using a soft earplug or a waterproof ear cover to prevent further irritation or infection.
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Keep Your Ear Dry:
- If possible, avoid using any ear cleaning tools, as these can further damage the eardrum or introduce bacteria.
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Manage Tinnitus:
- To ease the discomfort of tinnitus, you might find relief through relaxation techniques or gentle background noise (like a fan or white noise), which can help mask the sound.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any changes in your symptoms - improvement, worsening, or the development of new symptoms (such as fever or pain) that would warrant more immediate attention.
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Seek Immediate Care if Necessary:
- If you experience sudden severe pain, dizziness, or drainage from your ear (especially if it's colored or has a foul odor), seek immediate medical attention.
As you await your appointment, these steps can help protect your ear and possibly enhance your recovery. Given your history and current symptoms, it's a positive move that you've already booked an appointment with an ENT specialist. They can provide tailored care and assess the need for further interventions.
Please know that it's normal to feel anxious, but many eardrum perforations do heal on their own, and you are taking the right actions by monitoring your symptoms and seeking specialist care.
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