Causes
... Causes of a ruptured eardrum may include: Middle ear infection (otitis media). A middle ear infection may cause your eardrum to rupture as the pressure of the fluid in your middle ear increases. Conve...

Risk factors
... Risk factors for tearing or rupturing your eardrum include: Fluid buildup from middle ear infection Cleaning your ear with small objects to clear away earwax buildup or blockage Excessive scratching o...

When to seek medical advice
... Seek medical care if you have pain or swelling in your ear or drainage from your ear. Discharge of blood or pus may be a sign that your eardrum has ruptured. See your doctor immediately if you develop...

Screening and diagnosis
... Your doctor will examine your ear to determine if you have a ruptured eardrum by using a lighted instrument (otoscope) to look inside your ear. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in t...