What Side Should I Sleep On With A Ruptured Eardrum?

How you sleep can make a big difference in how you feel when you have a ruptured eardrum. The basic rule is very simple: Keep pressure off the ear that has a ruptured eardrum. If you have a ruptured eardrum in just one ear, sleep on the other side of your body.

Or if you usually sleep on your back or you have ruptures in both eardrums, sleep with your head elevated a couple of inches above the rest of your body.
This just means sleeping on two pillows instead of one.
Gentle warmth relieves the pain caused by a ruptured eardrum.
Here the operative term is “gentle.” You aren’t helped by pressing your ear down on a heating pad at its maximum setting.

Placing a cloth-covered heating pad loosely over the affected ear while you sleep won’t completely relieve pain, but it may be just enough pain relief that you are able to get some sleep. Now, let’s take a look at some other considerations for taking care of a ruptured eardrum at home.

Contents

0.1 How should I sleep with perforated eardrum?
- 0.1.1 How long will a ruptured eardrum leak?
- 0.1.2 What makes a perforated eardrum worse?

1 How do you soothe a ruptured ear?
2 How loud is a ruptured eardrum?
- - 2.0.1 Does a ruptured eardrum smell?
3 Can I sleep on my ruptured ear?
4 Is heat good for a ruptured eardrum?

How should I sleep with perforated eardrum?

What Side Should You Sleep On if You Have a Ruptured Eardrum? A ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin membrane inside the ear that helps with hearing. The eardrum can be damaged by ear infections, sudden changes in pressure, or injuries from inserting items into the ear.

Ruptured eardrums can be painful and interfere with sleep.
For this reason, some people with ruptured eardrums may wonder which side they should sleep on.
There isn’t a universal solution for how to sleep with a ruptured eardrum.
However, if the eardrums hurt, sleeping in a new position may be more comfortable.

We discuss common symptoms and causes of ruptured eardrums and ways that people can take care of their ears and reduce discomfort. We also discuss when to seek medical care for a ruptured eardrum and what to expect for treatment and follow-up. People may have difficulty sleeping when one or both ears hurt.

Therefore, people with ear pain after a ruptured eardrum should talk to their doctors about pain relief to help them sleep comfortably. In addition, temporary adjustments to may help reduce discomfort from sleeping on a ruptured eardrum. Depending on the cause, people may have ruptured eardrums in one or both ears.

If only one eardrum is ruptured, then they may feel more comfortable sleeping on their back or on the side of the opposite ear, with the ruptured ear facing up. in this way may also help ear drops to absorb, if they are prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

If both eardrums are ruptured, then may be the most comfortable position until the ears heal.
People who feel a lot of pressure in their ears might also consider or on multiple pillows.
One small study found that people with chronically ruptured eardrums had higher pressures in their middle ears National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.

when lying down compared to when upright. Some people may not experience any symptoms during or after a ruptured eardrum. However, common symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:

Intense, sharp ear pain Merck Manual 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.
Clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid that drains from the ear
Partial hearing loss UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. in the injured ear
Ringing in the injured ear

Some people may feel a spinning sensation National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. after a ruptured eardrum.

If it occurs, the spinning sensation usually lasts for a very short time.
However, if the spinning sensation does not improve quickly then this may mean that the inner ear is damaged.
Problems in the eardrum or middle ear may cause a form of hearing loss Merck Manual 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.

that stops or limits sounds from reaching the inner ear. This happens because the eardrum vibrates when it is hit by sound waves entering the ear. These vibrations move tiny bones in the middle ear, which amplify the sounds and send them on to the inner ear.

The most common causes of a ruptured eardrum are infections, sudden changes in pressure, and injuries.
Middle ear infection is the most common cause of ruptured eardrums, particularly in children.
During a middle ear infection, the middle ear fills with fluid and pus UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes.

UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. The resulting high pressure may tear a hole in the eardrum and cause drainage from the ear. People with middle ear infections may feel pain and pressure in one or both ears that is rapidly relieved when the eardrum ruptures.

Sudden changes in pressure Merck Manual 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. can also cause the eardrum to rupture. Ordinarily, the air pressure inside the middle ear is equal to the pressure outside the ear.

However, if the system that balances pressure within the ear does not work as it should, then large pressure differences on either side of the eardrum can damage or tear it. This may happen with rapid pressure changes during scuba diving, air travel, or when traveling to high altitude environments.

Ear trauma is another common cause of ruptured eardrums. Both children and adults may accidentally pierce their eardrums UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights.

with cotton swabs or other ear cleaning devices. In addition, head injuries that compress the ear or break bones in the base of the skull may also rupture one or both eardrums. Other potential causes of ruptured eardrums include:

Very loud and sudden noises
Strong suction on the ear
Shock waves from explosions National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.
Lightning strikes

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People who have previously had ear surgery or repeated middle ear infections are at higher risk of ruptured eardrums. Indigenous children, people with limited access to health care, and people infected with group A Streptococcus bacteria are also at higher risk of ruptured eardrums from middle ear infections.

Anyone who thinks that they may have a ruptured eardrum should talk to their doctor.
A doctor can look inside the ear to diagnose a ruptured eardrum.
They may also order a test to check for hearing loss.
A doctor can also provide instructions to protect the eardrum, prescribe antibiotics, and schedule a follow-up appointment to check whether their ear is healing.

Most ruptured eardrums will heal on their own without treatment. People with ruptured eardrums should follow their doctor’s advice. In addition, there are several steps that they can take at home. People with ruptured eardrums should take care to keep water out of their ears until the tear heals.

If water gets into the ear, it could cause a middle ear infection. This is because water in the ears could carry germs through a tear in the eardrum and into the middle ear. If possible, people with ruptured eardrums should avoid putting their heads under water. If they can not entirely avoid water, then they should consider gently placing cotton balls in their external ears while in the shower or washing their hair and using earplugs while swimming.

A warm compress on the affected ear may help to reduce pain from a ruptured eardrum. To prepare a warm compress, run a soft washcloth under warm water and then hold it to the ear for several minutes. Make sure that water does not enter the ear and that the compress is at a comfortable temperature before placing it against the skin.

People who have ongoing pain after a ruptured eardrum may consider using over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
People should talk to their doctors if their ear pain is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine.
People should never insert items into their ears, whether they are ruptured or not.

Cotton-tipped swabs and other items can damage or pierce the eardrums. One large study of people with ruptured eardrums found that over one-quarter National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.

were caused by cotton-tipped swabs. If an item does become stuck in the ear, people should not attempt to remove it themselves and should seek medical care. If blood or other fluid drains from the ear, people may gently wipe the outside of the ear but should not attempt to clean the ear canal without medical attention.

Finally, people with ruptured eardrums should not take over-the-counter or herbal ear drops unless a physician has advised them to do so. Sudden changes in air pressure, such as during airplane liftoff and landing or during scuba diving, can damage the eardrum.

People with ruptured eardrums should talk to their doctors before traveling by airplane or scuba diving. People who think they may have a ruptured eardrum should see a doctor to determine whether they have any other injuries or infection. If their pain quickly improves and they are not bothered by other symptoms, then they can wait until the next day to see a doctor.

People who think they have a ruptured eardrum should see a doctor right away if they:

Have a head or neck injury
Feel very dizzy
Have significant hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing other people speak
Have a fever
Vomit or feel nauseated
Have an object stuck in their ear

Most ruptured eardrums will heal on their own within a few weeks. However, some people with head or neck injuries, damage to the tiny bones in the middle ear, or with large tears in their eardrums may need surgery to repair their injuries. A doctor treating a person with a ruptured eardrum may ask to follow up in a few weeks.

At the follow-up visit, the doctor will check whether the eardrum has healed and whether hearing has improved. The doctor may recommend evaluation by a hearing specialist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. If a ruptured eardrum does not heal on its own by the follow-up visit or if complications happen, a doctor may recommend surgery.

The doctor may perform a brief procedure in their office or a surgery in an operating room. After a ruptured eardrum, people are at higher risk of developing chronic middle ear infections. These ear infections often do not hurt UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes.

UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights.
Nor cause a fever.
The most common symptoms are pus-like, foul smelling ear discharge, or worsening hearing loss.
People should tell their doctors if they develop these symptoms after a ruptured eardrum.

Chronic middle ear infections can spread to other parts of the head and cause complications.

Brattmo, M., Tideholm, B., & Carlborg, B. (2003). Chronic tympanic membrane perforation: Middle ear pressure and tubal function. Acta Oto-laryngologica, 123(5), 569–574.
Miyamoto, R.T. (2022, March). Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane. Merck Manual Professional Version., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
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Dolhi, N. & Weimer, A.D. (2022, August 8). Tympanic membrane perforations. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Lustig, L.R. (2022, June). Hearing loss. Merck Manual Consumer Version., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Pelton, S.I. & Tähtinen, P. (2022, May 18). Acute otitis media in children: Epidemiology, microbiology, and complications. In S.L. Kaplan & G.C. Isaacson (Eds.). UpToDate., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Miyamoto, R.T. (2022, March). Barotrauma of the ear. Merck Manual Professional Version., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Weber, P.C. (2022, March 15). Etiology of hearing loss in adults. In D.G. Deschler (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Jorolemon, M.R., Lopez, R. A, & Krywko, D.M. (2022, July 18). Blast injuries. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Saadi, R.A. & Isildak, H. (2022, April 13). Middle ear, tympanic membrane, perforations. Medscape., Retrieved December 1, 2022, from
Carniol, E.T., Bresler, A., Shaigany, K., Svider, P., Baredes, S., Eloy, J.A., & Ying, Y.M. (2018). Traumatic tympanic membrane perforations diagnosed in emergency departments. JAMA Otolaryngology– Head & Neck Surgery, 144(2), 136–139.
Lustig, L.R. & Limb, C.J. (2021, January 15). Chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, and mastoiditis in adults. In D.G. Deschler (Ed.). UpToDate., Retrieved December 4, 2022, from

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: What Side Should You Sleep On if You Have a Ruptured Eardrum?

How long will a ruptured eardrum leak?

A ruptured eardrum usually drains suddenly. It leaks fluid that often looks like pus and smells bad. It may even be bloody. In most cases, the eardrum heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks, usually without hearing loss.

What makes a perforated eardrum worse?

A tear in the eardrum can allow bacteria and other things to get into the middle ear and inner ear. If that happens, an infection could develop that can cause more hearing loss. Most perforated eardrums heal in a few weeks. Sometimes, though, doctors need to do surgery to repair the tear.

How do you soothe a ruptured ear?

To ease pain, put a warm face cloth or a heating pad set on low on your ear. You may have some drainage from the ear. Be careful when taking over-the-counter cold or influenza (flu) medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol.

Will a ruptured eardrum go back to normal?

What questions should I ask a healthcare provider? – If you think you have ruptured eardrum, here are some questions you may want to ask a healthcare provider:

Do I have a ruptured eardrum? If I have a ruptured eardrum, what can you do to treat it? What should I do to protect my eardrum as it heals? At what point do we need to consider other treatments?

A note from Cleveland Clinic Your eardrum is a fragile instrument. It’s also an essential instrument. A ruptured eardrum may affect your hearing and balance. It may also increase your risk of ear infections because your damaged eardrum can’t protect your middle ear from invading bacteria.

Does a ruptured eardrum get worse before it gets better?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum? – The typical first sign of a perforated eardrum is pain. A child might have:

mild to severe pain that may get worse for a time before suddenly decreasing
drainage from the ear that can be clear, pus-filled, or bloody
hearing loss
ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
dizziness or vertigo (a feeling that the room is spinning)
rarely, weak facial muscles

Call the doctor right away if your child has any symptoms of a perforated eardrum. Even though most perforations heal on their own, it’s important to make sure any hearing loss is temporary. Go to the emergency room right away if your child has:

bloody discharge from the ear
extreme pain
total hearing loss in one ear
dizziness that causes vomiting

How painful is a ruptured eardrum?

Ruptured Eardrum Pain and Treatment A ruptured eardrum can be an extremely painful ailment to endure for some people while others may not even be aware that it has ruptured. Ruptured eardrums can vary in how they make themselves known, as some ruptured eardrums are felt immediately and cause a sharp pain in one’s ear.

Is it bad to get water in a ruptured eardrum?

With a perforated eardrum, it’s very important to keep your ear dry until it heals. A wet ear will affect healing and may result in a serious infection. ‘We usually recommend placing a cotton ball covered in Vaseline in the ear when showering and avoiding putting your head under water,’ Adams said.

How loud is a ruptured eardrum?

Can Loud Noise Rupture Your Eardrums? Between your outer ear and middle ear is a thin membrane called the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. Its role is to transmit sound from the outer ear, the portion you see, to the middle ear. When sound waves move into the ear from the outside, it causes the eardrum to vibrate.

These vibrations are picked up by bones in the middle ear and a sequence of events begins that carries sound information to the brain to be interpreted.
The eardrum plays an important role in sound transmission.
Despite being thin, the tympanic membrane is tough and flexible but not immune to damage.
In some situations, the eardrum can tear or rupture.

With a significant rupture or tear, hearing is reduced. Plus, the risk for a middle ear infection increases since the membrane also helps keep bacteria out of the middle ear. One of the most common ways eardrums rupture is due to trauma. For example, people sometimes rupture this thin membrane when they stick something into their ear to clean it.

Infections can also weaken the eardrum and increase the risk of a tear or rupture. Another time an eardrum can rupture is with sudden changes in pressure, as when descending quickly in altitude in a plane or scuba diving. You might wonder whether loud noises can rupture an eardrum. A sudden very loud noise can cause an eardrum to tear or rupture.

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The noise intensity to rupture an eardrum would have to be very loud, usually 165 decibels or more. This would correspond to the sound intensity of a gunshot at close range, fireworks or extremely loud music. Although the eardrum will heal, damage to the inner ear is often permanent.

Does a ruptured eardrum smell?

Can I sleep on my ruptured ear?

Or if you usually sleep on your back or you have ruptures in both eardrums, sleep with your head elevated a couple of inches above the rest of your body. This just means sleeping on two pillows instead of one. Gentle warmth relieves the pain caused by a ruptured eardrum. Here the operative term is “gentle.” You aren’t helped by pressing your ear down on a heating pad at its maximum setting.

Is heat good for a ruptured eardrum?

Home remedies – At home, you can ease the pain of a ruptured eardrum with heat and pain relievers, Placing a warm, dry compress on your ear several times daily can help. Promote healing by not blowing your nose any more than absolutely necessary. Blowing your nose creates pressure in your ears.

Trying to clear your ears by holding your breath, blocking your nose, and blowing also creates high pressure in your ears.
The increased pressure can be painful and slow your eardrum’s healing.
Don’t use any over-the-counter eardrops unless your doctor recommends them.
If your eardrum is ruptured, fluid from these drops can get deep into your ear.

This can cause further issues.

Do you lose all hearing with a ruptured eardrum?

Outlook (Prognosis) – The opening in the eardrum most often heals by itself within 2 months if it is a small hole. Hearing loss will be short-term if the rupture heals completely. Rarely, other problems may occur, such as:

Long-term hearing lossSpread of infection to the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis)Long-term vertigo and dizzinessChronic ear infection or ear drainage

Should I rest with a perforated eardrum?

Tips to Prevent Ruptured Eardrum – Here are a few tips to deal with a perforated eardrum problem, try to follow these tips that can help to prevent raptured prevent problem.

Keep Ear Dry: If you have a ruptured eardrum, you may bathe and shower normally but do not allow water or soap to enter the ears. Placing a wad of cotton or gauze over the ear can help protect the ear. While showering you may hold the cotton in place with your finger by applying light pressure on the same. Do not press it too hard or try to plug the ear completely. Some water may fall off your fingers but this will be absorbed by the cotton and will not enter the ear. Remove this cotton or gauze only after you have finished toweling yourself. Do Not Plug Ears: It is a normal reaction to plug the ears with cotton or gauze if you notice blood or any other fluid flowing from the ear. However, this should never be done. Plugging the ears will trap the fluid within the ear and promote, This can aggravate the perforation even further. Instead, keep the ear canal open and as dry as possible. Slowly the will cease and a clot will be formed on its own. Rest: As far as possible avoid traveling if you have a ruptured eardrum. Instead, stay at home and get some rest. Though the rest of your body may feel fine, it needs rest and recuperation to build up its immunity and heal. Try to lie on your side so that the ear with the perforated eardrum facing downwards. This will help the blood and fluids accumulated inside the drain out. Take Prescribed medicine: A ruptured eardrum can be painful and hence your doctor is likely to prescribe pain relievers. Follow this prescription strictly and continue taking the medication until the course is completed. Do not stop midway without consulting your doctor. Also, do not overdose or self-medicate with over the counter pain relievers.

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What is the best position to sleep in for ear drainage?

Elevation (aka sleeping upright) Sleeping upright is a great help when it comes to resting with ear infection symptoms. Sleeping sitting up can allow fluid in your ear to drain easier, as well as easing pressure and pain in your middle ear – the likely source of the infection itself.

Does water hurt a perforated eardrum?

What are the restrictions with a ruptured eardrum?

How can I care for my ruptured eardrum? –

Always keep your ear dry. Do not let your ear get wet, such as when bathing or swimming. Water may cause your damaged eardrum to heal more slowly and increase your risk for infection.
Do not put anything in your ear. Never put objects such as cotton swabs in your ear. Pointed objects may damage or worsen the damage to your eardrum.
Try not to blow your nose. The increase in pressure may cause further damage to your eardrum.