A patient comes into the ER complaining of ear pain and the inability to hear anything with her right ear. The physiciain on call notes that the patient has a ruptured ear drum. Explain why a ruptured ear drum would contribute to temporary hearing loss.
A ruptured eardrum can result in hearing loss. It can also make your middle ear vulnerable to infections. A ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment.