I had a water skiing accident last Saturday in which my eardrum was perforated. I have had two doctors appointments that have confirmed this--first by the ER doctor and yesterday, by a ENT. The Specialist said that I should stop using ear drops (which the ER doctor prescribed), so that the ear drum would heal. The Specialist said that the "intrusion" was 5 cm. (the eardrum being 10 cm.). Before, when I was using the eardrops (Otocort 1% Sterile Suspension), every once in awhile it was like my ear would "pop" and I could hear better. Now that I am not using the drops, my hearing is more diminished.
I am very concerned about my hearing loss. Do you think there is any correlation between stopping the ear drops and not being able to hear as well. Do you think there will be permanent hearing loss? I am a scuba diver. What is the likelihood that I will be able to dive again someday?
Any information you can provide, would be most helpful!
Thank you,
Reply: ----------------------------
The vast majority of tympanic membrane perforations that occur traumatically such as in skiing accidents will indeed close spontaneously. Unless infection is present, heralded by obvious drainage of pus from the ear canals, no topical ear drops should be used - they offer no benefit, may delay healing due to steroid content, and have a remote potential to cause nerve hearing loss in a non-infected ear. The hearing loss that you are currently experiencing is most likely conductive in nature and not permanent. It will likely completely resolve with healing of the ear drum which may take 1-3 weeks. Follow-up with the ENT specialist is very important to confirm complete healing and verify normal hearing after healing has occurred. It is likely that with proper healing, no long term sequela will result that may hamper future diving activities. The presence of vertigo would however raise concern regarding more serious injury.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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