A bulgingeardrum(called the tympanic membrane) is inflamed.
A swollen eardrum can be triggered by an ear infection or trauma to the ear.
It can affect hearing because it impairs the eardrum’s ability to vibrate and transmit sound.
Ian Hooton/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
When the eardrum is inflamed, people may feel fullness, pressure, and pain in the ear.
This article discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a bulging eardrum.
Bulging Eardrum Causes
A bulging eardrum is usually a symptom of a condition that affects the ear.
Several health conditions can cause the eardrum to become inflamed and bulge.
Although children are most often affected by middle ear infections, they can occur at any age.
The buildup of fluids behind the eardrum and in the middle ear causes it to become inflamed and irritated.
When this happens, you may also have ear pain and plugged ears.
Ear Trauma
The eardrum is a sensitive part of the body.
It’s thin and pliable, so it can be easily damaged.
Bullous myringitis often occurs at the same time as a middle ear infection.
With this throw in of infection, fluid can become trapped behind the eardrum and cause it to bulge.
Typically, a bulging eardrum is resulting from another health condition.
Most of the conditions that can cause it to occur are mild or moderate in nature and easily treatable.
Your healthcare provider will:
Can a Bulging Eardrum Lead to a Rupture?
If the condition that is causing your eardrum to bulge persists, your eardrum may rupture.
This is why it’s important to seek medical care right away if you have a bulging eardrum.
Bulging Eardrum Treatment
Treatment depends on what’s causing your bulging eardrum.
In most cases, trauma to the ear will heal on its own.
This is also the case with some ear infections, but others may require the use of medications.
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve inflammation and pain.
These exercises may help relieve any pressure within the ear.
Middle Ear Infections and Bullous Myringitis
Sometimes a middle ear infection can be hard to prevent.
Other types of ear trauma, however, can be prevented.
Symptoms may include inflammation, pain, and a feeling of fullness and pressure in the ear.
Treatment will depend on what’s causing the bulging eardrum but may include antibiotics and over-the-counter medications.
Prolonged bulging of the eardrum can potentially lead to eardrum rupture or hearing loss.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ear infection.
