I have a hole near my eardrum. Is that serious?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have some issues with my ears. I have had them for years, but a year back, we got a little camera that allows you to look at your ears inside; one ear looks inflamed.

The other has a different structural formation. There is a hole above the white eardrums.

I am worried because I thought it would go away, but it remains there. I suffer from bouts of vertigo, nausea, pressure blockage, and hearing issues.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

A visible hole above the white eardrum could indicate a perforated eardrum or a chronic infection.

Perforations can result from infections, trauma, or spontaneous rupture and may persist when associated with infection, continued inflammation, or underlying middle ear disease.

White patches on the eardrum often indicate tympanosclerosis, a scarring condition that typically develops after repeated infections, trauma, or previous ear surgery, and may result in conductive hearing loss.

Vertigo and nausea suggest possible inner ear involvement, such as labyrinthitis or chronic middle ear disease that extends to the balance system.

Pressure, hearing blockages, and recurrent hearing changes can result from middle ear fluid (effusion), chronic infection, or more complex conditions, such as cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth behind the eardrum).

Schedule a thorough assessment with an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), who can perform diagnostic otoscopy and hearing tests, as well as check for complications such as cholesteatoma or tympanosclerosis.

Avoid inserting anything into your ear, and protect your ears from water exposure until a diagnosis is made. If you develop sudden severe symptoms (complete hearing loss, vomiting due to vertigo, blood or pus draining from the ear, or extreme pain), seek emergency care.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, and take care.

Regards.