Eardrum Perforation Repair in Baton Rouge: Trusted Treatment for a Delicate Problem

A perforated eardrum, or tympanic membrane rupture, is a tear or hole in the thin tissue that separates the outer and middle ear. This can occur suddenly due to trauma, loud noise, or pressure changes, or develop over time with chronic infections. While small ruptures may heal on their own, many require medical treatment to support proper healing and prevent complications. At Louisiana ENT Specialists in Baton Rouge, we offer both nonsurgical and surgical solutions for eardrum perforations, tailored to your symptoms and the size of the rupture. If you're experiencing ear pain, hearing changes, or drainage, schedule an evaluation with our Baton Rouge specialists today.

How Eardrum Repair Works

Once our team has diagnosed you with an eardrum perforation, we may recommend one of the following treatment approaches:

Patch Repair

For smaller or more recent tears, we often begin with an in-office patch procedure. Your ENT provider will apply a specialized solution to the edge of the perforation to stimulate healing, then cover it with a thin medical patch. This process may be repeated if needed. Recovery is typically fast, with minimal discomfort and no need for anesthesia.

Surgical Repair (Tympanoplasty)

For larger or persistent perforations, tympanoplasty may be recommended. This outpatient surgery involves placing a small tissue graft over the hole to fully restore the eardrum's integrity. The tissue is typically taken from behind the ear or from the ear canal. Most patients go home the same day and recover over the course of a few weeks.

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Common Causes of Eardrum Perforation

A hole in the eardrum can result from:

  • Middle ear infections
  • Sudden loud noise (acoustic trauma)
  • Blunt trauma to the head or ear
  • Pressure changes from flying or diving
  • Inserting foreign objects or cotton swabs into the ear
  • Sudden fluid discharge from the ear

If you've experienced one of these situations and notice ear pain, ringing, or hearing loss, a prompt evaluation is important.

Who Can Benefit From Eardrum Repair?

Not all eardrum perforations require intervention, but for those that don't heal on their own, repair can restore hearing and reduce the risk of chronic infection.

You may benefit from eardrum perforation repair in Baton Rouge at LENTS if you:

  • Have long-standing or recurring perforation symptoms
  • Want to speed up the healing process after injury
  • Experience hearing loss related to the rupture
  • Have drainage or frequent infections from the ear
  • Previously tried patch repair without success

Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum

Signs that your eardrum may be perforated include:

  • Sharp or persistent ear pain
  • Hearing loss in one ear
  • Drainage from the ear (clear, bloody, or pus-filled)
  • Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
  • Sensation of fullness or pressure
  • Dizziness or balance issues
  • Nausea linked to inner ear disturbances

These symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually after infection or injury.

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Your Treatment Experience at LENTS in Baton Rouge

At your visit, our ENT team will conduct a thorough exam using magnification and imaging to determine if your eardrum is ruptured and whether treatment is needed.

  • Patch repair is a simple, in-office procedure requiring minimal downtime.
  • Surgical repair is a same-day outpatient procedure with a short recovery.

In both cases, we'll guide you through aftercare instructions, follow up on your progress, and ensure the eardrum heals properly.

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Eardrum Perforation Repair FAQs

How can I tell if my eardrum is ruptured?

You may notice pain, muffled hearing, or drainage. A specialist at LENTS can confirm the diagnosis with a quick, painless exam.

Do all perforations require surgery?

No. Smaller tears often heal on their own or respond well to patch treatment. Surgery is only needed for more extensive or persistent ruptures.

Will I need to stay overnight for surgery?

No. Tympanoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you'll return home the same day.

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Why Choose Louisiana ENT Specialists in Lafayette?

At LENTS, we understand how even a small issue like a ruptured eardrum can interfere with your comfort, hearing, and peace of mind. That's why we offer comprehensive, patient-focused care using the latest techniques—right here in Baton Rouge. From diagnosis to follow-up, our team will support your healing journey every step of the way.

If you're ready to restore your hearing and stop ear-related discomfort, contact Louisiana ENT Specialists in Baton Rouge to schedule your evaluation today.

With 17 convenient locations around the Louisiana area, we're never far away.

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