What Side Should I Sleep On With a Ruptured Eardrum?
Published February 27, 2023
When the tympanic membrane in the ear that aids hearing breaks, it causes a perforation known as a ruptured eardrum. Ear infections, rapid pressure changes, and injuries caused by inserting foreign objects into the ear can all cause damage to the eardrum. As ruptured eardrums can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep, you may question, “What side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum?”
This article will talk about the most common signs and causes of a ruptured eardrum, as well as when to seek medical attention and what to expect from the treatment and follow-up care.
What Side Should I Sleep On With a Ruptured Eardrum?
Some people may experience a ruptured eardrum in only one ear, while others may experience it in both. Since a ruptured eardrum might cause ear pain; sleeping position, respective of the cause, is important to help you sleep properly. For example, if only one of your eardrums is ruptured, you may find sleeping on your back or on the opposite side more pleasant, with the ruptured ear facing up.
You can sleep on your back if you have ruptured your eardrums from diving or flying (rapid pressure change). Make sure you have the correct pillow for back sleeping. When you have an ear infection, it is important to sleep with your head elevated so that the drain is unobstructed; otherwise, pressure may continue to build up in the middle ear, causing pain.
If you have ruptured eardrums in both ears, lying on your back may be the most advisable position while your ears heal. Then, if you experience a lot of pressure inside, try sleeping in an upright position or on multiple pillows.
What Causes a Ruptured Eardrum?
Most cases of a ruptured eardrum, mainly in children, are brought on by an infection in the middle ear. With a middle ear infection, fluid and pus fill the middle ear. The resulting pressure can result in the eardrum rupturing and cause drainage.
Rapid pressure changes can also lead the eardrum to rupture; this can happen while scuba diving, flying, or going to high-altitude places. The eardrum can also be ruptured by extremely loud sounds or blasts, such as an explosion; however, this is highly unlikely.
Another cause of ruptured eardrums is ear trauma. Children and adults alike may accidentally pierce their eardrums using ear-cleaning tools. Moreover, head traumas that compress the ear might rupture one or both eardrums. In addition, those who have had ear surgery or recurrent middle ear infections are at a greater risk for ruptured eardrums.
What are the Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum?
You might not notice that your eardrum has ruptured unless you start experiencing symptoms like hearing loss or discharge made up of blood and pus. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden intense discomfort in the ear.
- Sudden loss of hearing. You may have difficulty hearing or a feeling that sounds are muffled.
- A buzzing or ringing sound in the ear that comes inside the ear.
- An ear discharge that may resemble pus or blood.
When to Seek Medical Help?
A ruptured eardrum will naturally, most of the time, heal on its own. But, if you experience discomfort and tension or discover pus leaking from your ear, you should visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist about treatment, as an infection will not heal on its own.
Your doctor may request a follow-up visit in a few weeks to check whether your eardrum and its associated symptoms have healed. If not, your doctor may recommend surgery and do a minor procedure in their office or a surgical operation in an operating room.
Meanwhile, temporary adjustments to sleeping positions may help reduce discomfort from sleeping on a ruptured eardrum. Ask your doctor, “what side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum?” so they can provide suggestions to reduce discomfort.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.
