Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:

• Ear pain that may subside quickly
• Mucuslike, pus-filled or bloody drainage from your ear
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Nausea or vomiting that can result from vertigo

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if you experience signs or symptoms of a ruptured eardrum. Your middle and inner ears are made up of delicate structures that are sensitive to injury or disease. It is important to try to figure out the cause of your ear symptoms and determine whether a ruptured eardrum has occurred.