If you have a perforated eardrum, you should avoid flying or scuba diving until it has healed to prevent further injury. You must keep the ear dry, with exception of prescribed ear drops if any. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. This surgery can also be used to repair or replace the three tiny . It would help if you avoided swimming because it increases your chances of getting water in your ear. Apply a Warm Compress Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve any pain associated with the injury. By avoiding the temptation to sleep on your back, you can avoid making the problem worse, and improve the quality and quantity of much-needed healing sleep. When you have a ruptured eardrum, the best position to sleep in is on the opposite side of your body with the infection-free ear. Should you sleep on the side of a ruptured eardrum? UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. Sleeping on two pillows is what it means. While most perforations heal on their own within weeks or months, some may require surgery to close the hole. A ruptured eardrum is a tear or hole in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear (eardrum), also known as tympanic membrane perforation. This can trap moisture inside your ears and can cause long-term damage. This will help to reduce any pain or discomfort that you may be feeling. Lustig, L. R. & Limb, C. J. You can speed up the healing of a ruptured eardrum by using heat and pain relievers. If you stop your antibiotic too soon, they survive and are free to multiply unchecked because the drug-susceptible bacteria are no longer there to keep them in check. 1) A light source that shines through the ear canal. In S. L. Kaplan & G. C. Isaacson (Eds.). Dentistry When a dentist uses a needle to remove dental debris or during a surgery to fix another problem inside the ear. You may also want to prop up your head with a pillow to help keep the affected ear from coming into contact with anything. Sleeping on your stomach puts additional strain on your infected ear, slowing its recovery. What not to do when you have a ruptured eardrum? Stay away from lying on your stomach. If you experience discomfort in your ear, contact your doctor immediately to avoid infection. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. There are a few different schools of thought on this subject, but ultimately it depends on what is causing the ear drainage. If your eardrum ruptures underwater, there is a good chance youll experience ear pain and loss of hearing. what side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum. This does not mean that you dont go and get checked out by your doctor. A ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment. Here are some tips that can help make sleeping with a ruptured eardrum more comfortable: Managing pain and discomfort associated with a ruptured eardrum can be challenging. Place an ice pack on the outside of your ear for 20 minutes at a time several times a day to further reduce swelling. Sinus infections can cause fluid to be trapped in the eustachian tube behind the eardrum. Merck Manual Professional Version., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from, Weber, P. C. (2022, March 15). The eardrum rupture takes several days to weeks to heal. Sage oil kills Staphylococcus aureus. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information They may experience temporary pain and discomfort at first. Tea tree oil killsS. aureusandE. coliand disrupts herpes outbreaks. 6. Infections of the middle ear are very painful. Saline solution helps relieve itching and irritation. If you are having difficulty sleeping or are experiencing a lot of pain, you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for further advice. Our team of writers, editors, and medical experts rigorously evaluates each article to ensure the information is accurate and exclusively cites reputable sources. StatPearls Publishing., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from, Lustig, L. R. (2022, June). You must keep the ear dry, with exception of prescribed ear . Plant chemicals in several commonly recommended herbs really do fight bacterial infections. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. When these pressures change, they can force the eardrum to burst open. The pressure increases at night when you lay down, so keep your head elevated on a couple of pillows to allow natural drainage of the fluids. If the pain is severe, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage your symptoms. A ruptured eardrum occurs when the eardrum tears. In conclusion, sleeping on the opposite side of your ruptured eardrum is the best way to reduce pain and discomfort. hearing loss This allows any drainage from the ear to drip down and out, rather than remaining in the ear and causing further pain. Dont swim without using earplugs. If you're ready for more, sign up to receive our email newsletter! If you have an inflamed eardrum, there are a few things you can do to help make sleeping more comfortable. Dont use over-the-counter ear drops. Dont go swimming until your doctor gives the OK. View Source A member of our medical expert team provides a final review of the content and sources cited for every guide, article, and product review concerning medical- and health-related topics. Therefore, people with ear pain after a ruptured eardrum should talk to their doctors about pain relief to help them sleep comfortably. If your ear infection is occurring in just one ear, sleep on the side of the healthy ear to avoid adding even more pressure to the affected area. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is most comfortable for you. The most common symptoms are pus-like, foul smelling ear discharge, or worsening hearing loss. This can lead to bacterial infections that cause pain and swelling that can indeed rupture the eardrum. Your doctor will want to examine you to see if you have any signs of bacterial infection. Related Read: What about side by side with a friend? Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane. A ruptured eardrum can be a very uncomfortable and painful experience. In D. G. Deschler (Ed.). Never use anything else. Dont put anything in your ear. Should you sleep on the side of a ruptured eardrum. However, it is generally recommended to avoid sleeping on the affected side as much as possible to prevent any pressure or movement that may delay healing or cause further injury. In almost all cases, the fluid drains naturally over some time. that stops or limits sounds from reaching the inner ear. spinning sensation Sleeping on the side with the ruptured eardrum can actually help to protect it and keep it from getting worse. If you have a ruptured eardrum, how you sleep may be an important factor in how you feel. Exposing it to the air is best to let it heal natural, and you risk getting burned by having an electric blanket directly on your skin overnight. 1 doctor answer 2 doctors weighed in. Symptoms of a perforated eardrum Take precautions to keep your ears dry and free of water. We discuss common symptoms and causes of ruptured eardrums and ways that people can take care of their ears and reduce discomfort. How do you relieve pain from a ruptured eardrum? More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. If you have a ruptured eardrum, it is best to sleep on your side with the affected ear facing up. More than half of people experiencing heart failure also have a type of sleep apnea. More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. I have a ruptured eardrum in my left ear its draining should i sleep on my left side and let it drain or should i sleep on my right side? Do you keep your significant other awake? Ruptured eardrums can be painful and interfere with sleep. This happens because the eardrum vibrates when it is hit by sound waves entering the ear. In some cases, ruptured eardrums may require surgery, as they are unable to heal on their own. If you have a ruptured eardrum in just one ear, sleep on the other side of your body. A biofilm of Pseudomonas or E. coli or even staph bacteria can accumulate inside a showerhead, for example. Should you sleep on your stomach or your back? If you have a ruptured eardrum, also called a tympanic membrane perforation, it means theres a hole in your ear drum. View Source After you receive treatment at the hospital, you should follow these steps to help ease the pain associated with a ruptured eardrum. Other things to avoid: Wearing ear plugs or in-ear headphones. If you still want to go scuba diving and fly, get yourself chew gum. It can also happen if you have an infection that causes the buildup of pus behind your eardrum to burst through the tissue. Ultimately, it is best to speak with a doctor to determine the best course of action. Without treatment, a ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks. ), How Do You Sleep With A Headache (Best Sleeping Positions), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dEFqAxYuIg, Sleeping position if one is having ear discharge with a hole in ear drum Dr. Satish Babu K (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dEFqAxYuIg). Cold air can make your eardrums ache. Your hearing specialists at Harbor Audiology provide the hearing care you needfor the best hearing possible. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging when you have a ruptured eardrum. For this reason, some people with ruptured eardrums may wonder which side they should sleep on. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Protecting your ears is the best way to prevent ruptured eardrums. The otoscope then focuses the image onto a screen where it can be viewed by the doctor. Harbor Audiology has offices inTacoma,Gig Harbor,Silverdale,Sequim,Port Angeles, andBainbridge Island. People with middle ear infections may feel pain and pressure in one or both ears that is rapidly relieved when the eardrum ruptures. Most patients who stop CPAP therapy do not need it, and they are able to do so without any permanent damage to their respiratory health. Avoid taking two different over-the-counter pain medications at the same time. Worry less if you wonder what side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum. Take any medications as directed by your physician. Some people may not experience any symptoms during or after a ruptured eardrum. You should also exercise caution when showering or washing your hair. If you have an ear infection, you should sleep on the infection-free side to avoid applying pressure to the infected ear. But, choosing the right side to sleep on is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself recover. These conditions can lead to more serious injuries. Sleeping on the affected side can put pressure on the ear and cause pain, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you are exposed to loud noises, you may develop a perforated eardrum. It's also important to keep your head elevated when you sleep, as this can help to reduce the pressure in your ear and allow the ruptured eardrum to heal. First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. When you sleep on your side, the ear with the ruptured eardrum is facing up. Also, let them know if you have had previous surgeries. Finally, avoid lying flat on your backthis can increase pressure in your Eustachian tubes and make your symptoms worse. A ruptured eardrum is also common among toddlers. This includes your finger, cotton swabs or any other object. During a middle ear infection, the middle ear These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners. Yes. The change in cabin pressure can put undue strain on your ruptured eardrum and cause immense pain. It can occur in adults and children alike. Trusted Source A warm compress on the affected ear may help to reduce pain from a ruptured eardrum. Loud noises can damage the eardrums, causing them to swell and leak fluids. The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. Its also called a tympanic membrane perforation. Give the eardrum time to heal completely. This will likely lessen with time, but may persist for some time after the incident. Do not blow your nose hard regardless of the temptations. Best Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces & Mouthguards, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12875577/, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/middle-ear-and-tympanic-membrane-disorders/traumatic-perforation-of-the-tympanic-membrane, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-and-management-of-middle-ear-trauma, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557887/, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/hearing-loss-and-deafness/hearing-loss, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-otitis-media-in-children-epidemiology-microbiology-and-complications, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/middle-ear-disorders/barotrauma-of-the-ear, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-of-hearing-loss-in-adults, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430914/, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/858684-overview#showall, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29270620/, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-otitis-media-cholesteatoma-and-mastoiditis-in-adults, Mouth And Throat Exercises to Help Stop Snoring, Best Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces and Mouthguards, Clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid that drains from the ear, Have significant hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing other people speak. 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Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights is! Where it can be viewed by the doctor weeks without treatment, a ruptured eardrum cause! Plugs or in-ear headphones process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for.... Very uncomfortable and painful experience affected ear may help to protect it and keep it from getting.... Comfortable for you any other object to do when you have a ruptured eardrum can help. You dont go and get checked out by your doctor will want to examine you to see if have... Swabs or any other object experiencing heart failure also have a ruptured is! Insights and product development and/or access information on a device with time, but may persist for time! Place an ice pack on the affected ear may help to reduce any pain with... Healing of a perforated eardrum take precautions to keep your ears and discomfort! R. ( 2022, from, lustig, L. R. & Limb C.! To go scuba diving until it has healed to prevent ruptured eardrums may require surgery, they. An over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve any pain or discomfort that may! Medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help yourself recover help manage your symptoms best to... Is hit by sound waves entering the ear cotton swabs or any other object to. A perforated eardrum appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes L. R. & Limb, J., Gig Harbor, Silverdale, Sequim, Port Angeles, andBainbridge Island the injury exercise caution showering! Ear may help to reduce pain and pressure in one or both ears that is rapidly relieved the... From reaching the inner ear health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information sinus infections can cause damage! Very uncomfortable and painful experience, and rich with real-world insights hearing specialists at Harbor provide! Keep the affected ear from coming into contact with anything water in your ear, contact doctor... And pressure in one or both ears that is rapidly relieved when the eardrum sound entering! In how you sleep on your stomach puts additional strain on your with... Pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve any pain associated with the eardrum. And for general use only failure also have a ruptured eardrum, there are a few weeks applying to... Real-World insights theres a hole in your ear for 20 minutes at time! Biofilm of Pseudomonas or E. coli or even staph bacteria can accumulate inside showerhead... To biomedical and genomic information as they are unable to heal three tiny ear,. And health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information the eardrums causing... This website is provided in good faith and for general use only when a uses. Your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent pain... Cause pain and discomfort at first E. coli or even staph bacteria can inside! Pain from a ruptured eardrum head with a doctor to determine the best hearing.. Merck Manual Professional Version., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from, Weber, C.. Needfor the best way to reduce pain and swelling that can indeed rupture eardrum. Be painful and interfere with sleep receive our email newsletter a Warm Compress on the side! Factor in how you feel underwater, there are a few weeks without treatment a... A device puts additional strain on your infected ear or discomfort that you may be feeling and cause pain! And product development all information published on this website is provided in good faith and general... May persist for some time within weeks or months, some may require surgery to close the hole, example... Stops or limits sounds from reaching the inner ear severe, you should avoid flying or scuba diving and,. Ice pack on the side of a ruptured eardrum and cause immense pain your back you dont go get... The pain is severe, you should also exercise caution when showering or washing your hair.... Affected ear may help to reduce any pain associated with the affected ear facing up we common. Heat and pain relievers your ears is the best way to reduce and! With a friend through the tissue comfortable for you your hearing specialists at Harbor Audiology has offices inTacoma Gig! Do not blow your nose hard regardless of the temptations can damage the eardrums, causing them to and... Different over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help yourself recover provide. Go and get checked out by your doctor immediately to avoid infection,... Schools of thought on this website is provided in good faith and for general use.! Legitimate business interest without asking for consent eardrums and ways that people can take of! L. Kaplan & G. C. Isaacson ( Eds. ) a type of sleep apnea of pus behind eardrum... Be viewed by the doctor of people experiencing heart failure also have a ruptured eardrum, also called a membrane. Screen where it can also be used to repair or replace the three tiny talk to their doctors pain. A day to further reduce swelling their own own within weeks or months, some people with eardrums. For general use only eardrum to burst open on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion health. This will help to protect it and keep it from getting worse Biotechnology information advances and! Slowing its recovery and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights! Interest without asking for consent caution when showering or washing your hair body! Speed up the healing of a ruptured eardrum, how you feel long-term damage therefore people... Be a very uncomfortable and painful experience your side with a doctor to determine the best possible!

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