I have a ruptured eardrum despite antibiotics. How to treat it?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on your description that the tympanic membrane (TM) still shows a visible hole three weeks after a scuba diving-related barotrauma, this is not uncommon and often still within the expected healing window.

Most diving-induced TM perforations are central and heal on their own over four to eight weeks, especially if the edges appear pink and healthy with no ongoing infection or discharge.

Since you have completed a round of antibiotic ear drops, and assuming there is no persistent pain, drainage, or hearing loss, the next steps are mainly conservative:

1. Keep the ear completely dry (no swimming or diving).

2. Avoid inserting anything into the ear.

3. Do not blow your nose forcefully.

4. Protect the ear during showers using vaseline (petroleum jelly)-coated cotton.

However, if the perforation appears large, the edges are thickened or ragged, or if you are still experiencing symptoms like hearing loss or a feeling of fullness, you should have a follow-up otoscopic exam and possibly an audiogram to assess hearing and healing progress.

If the perforation does not close on its own within six to eight weeks, or if complications arise, you may need surgical repair (tympanoplasty), but many small to moderate perforations heal without intervention.

I hope this helps.

For more queries, feel free to consult me anytime.

Thank you.