A 40-year-old member asked:
does wearing earplugs help heal a perforated eardrum?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Dennis Diaz answered
38 years experience ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Can be helpful: Keeping the ear free of water and tincture of time is what heals an acute tympanic membrane perforation. A ear plug designed to week water out of the ear during bathing, swimming or other water exposure is most helpful.
Answered on May 6, 2018
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4 thanks
Dr. Michael Nordstrom answered
38 years experience ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
No: Your ear drum will heal independent of an ear plug, assuming that it will heal on its own. The vast majority of tympanic membrane perforations heal spontaneously assuming it is not due to a slag burn from welding. That injury sears the drum and usually won't heal on its own. Surgery is frequently needed. If in doubt see your doctor.
Answered on May 15, 2018
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A 46-year-old male asked:
Dr. Gregory LaMorte answered
42 years experience Periodontics
Weeks to Months: The perforation may heal in a few weeks, or may take up to a few months.Some perforations require intervention. This may take the form of a paper patc ... Read More
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A female asked:
Dr. Al Hegab answered
40 years experience Allergy and Immunology
Very unlikely: that's a very low negative pressure, shouldn't be the cause for such a significant trauma
A 16-year-old male asked:
Dr. Daniel Saurborn answered
23 years experience Diagnostic Radiology
Probably yes.: You basically laid out all you need for a serious inner ear infection. 1) Lake water teeming with organisms. 2) Outer ear canal easily fills with wate ... Read More
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A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ronald Ward answered
Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Perforation: Yes. Do not get your ear wet. No need for ear plugs
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