HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)ear perforationHow to know whether q-tip perforated the eardrum?

What is the possibility of cleaning ears with q-tip cause ear perforation?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At May 11, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have stuck a q tip in my ear because it was itching and I think I may have burst my eardrum. I have some pictures.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The pictures are not completely clear but I cannot see any perforation. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). When did the cotton piece stuck inside your ear? Did you notice any blood drops on the cotton piece after getting it out from your ear? Do you have any other symptoms as tinnitus or ear pain?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have no symptoms other than itchiness. No blood or anything else. It looks like there is a hole in the membrane. From your answer, I guess that is not the tympanum? What is that?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you are right there is something like a hole and it is big. If it is a real hole (not a false formation made by ear wax) it should not pass without blood, there must be blood even in the form of a few drops, unless it is an old perforation from many years. I know that you are confused now. I have two ways to end your confusion. The first one is tympanometry which is a test that measures the pressure inside the middle ear. This test needs an audiovestibular specialist. The second way is a simple test in your home. Just close your nose and mouth tightly then blow, if the eardrum is perforated you will feel air comes out through the perforated drum. This maneuver is called Valsalva maneuver.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mohammed Osama Aboborda
Dr. Mohammed Osama Aboborda

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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