Ruptured Eardrum from Trauma

[timgermain]

Hello Everyone:

I got sucker punched on my right ear. I went to the doctor and she looked at my eardrum and said that it is pretty badly ruptured. I have never had any problems with ear infections in the past, and it has been 8 days since the incident... my hearing is still about 30% normal. I am just curious as to the general healing pattern that I could expect..

I am seeing an ENT 3 weeks after the incident and will get professional help, obviously... but i just wanted to know:

1. If I have never had issues with my ears before, what are the chances that a badly ruptured ear drum will heal itself in due time?

2. How long can I expect to be back to relatively normal hearing?

3. How do I know if there is cochella, ossicle, or neve damage? Would I even be able to hear anything? Currently, when I hold a phone up to my bad ear, I can hear the dial tone still... it is just muffled and quiet.

4. I have not had an ear infection so far... will this help my ear heal?

5. Any advice? Any anecdotes saying this will get better? I am terrified that my hearing will never fully return and that I will have this the rest of my life. I was sucekr punched! So unreal... there was no bleeding or bruising around my face, but my ear drum is badly ruptured.

I am a singer in a band... this is hands down the worst experience of all time for me. I just pray and hope to god that it will heal itself. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone,

Tim

[Mick Shu]

http://www.hearingaidforums.com/showthread.php?t=12059&highlight=sucker

[MKAH]

Find a good ent Dr. and follow his directions. The Dr. Will deterime if you need surgery to repair the damage. In my case, I had my eardrum replaced... Tympanoplasty. After two months post surgery I have about 80% of my hearing back.

Nothing is 100%, but good doctors using good techniques worked for me.

Good luck, keeps us informed on your progress.

[leonardgarcia]

Doctors would be the best person to clarify all your doubts. Till that time, make sure you are not exposed to loud sound unless you have your treatment done.