Do you have a ruptured eardrum? Are you also looking for the most comfortable position to sleep in? It is the most common question for people affected by this position.
The most important thing with a ruptured eardrum is to avoid putting pressure on it. It can make your condition worse or affect the healing process. You should sleep on the side where you are most comfortable with a ruptured eardrum, as long as you are not putting any pressure on it.
After going through this comprehensive article, you will know everything you need to know about a ruptured eardrum and how to deal with it. Let’s start by knowing the symptoms so you can easily diagnose this condition.
Symptoms Of A Ruptured Eardrum
Following are some of the common symptoms of a ruptured eardrum. It’s not necessary to have these symptoms with this condition. Some people may not even feel anything despite getting their eardrums affected. Let’s take a look at these symptoms:
- Ear Pain
- Ear Drainage
- Hearing Loss
- Tinnitus
How To Sleep With A Ruptured Eardrum?
There is one simple rule you must always remember while sleeping with a ruptured eardrum which is “Keep the pressure off.” Let’s have a look at some practical tips beneficial for this condition.
- Sleep on the unaffected side to minimize pressure on the affected ear.
- Use a supportive pillow to keep your head elevated slightly.
- Consider using earplugs or a soft cotton ball in the unaffected ear to reduce noise.
- Avoid sleeping on your back. It may cause drainage from the affected ear.
- Use a comfortable neck pillow to support your head and neck while sleeping on your side.
- Follow your doctor’s prescription for pain management. If you haven’t visited a doctor, then consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Follow any specific instructions or precautions given by your healthcare provider. It is the best option because these were specially provided based on your condition.
Home Remedies For A Ruptured Eardrum
Alongside your sleeping position, following these remedies can help you heal your ruptured eardrum more quickly. Following these instructions will also keep your ears safe from all kinds of problems during this process. Let’s take a look at the details of these home remedies.
Ear Protection
The first thing you need to do is protect your ear. Protecting your ears from further damage is crucial for healing. Consider using ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs in environments with loud noises. Protect your ear from water or ear pressure as well.
Keep Your Ears Dry.
Maintaining dryness in the affected ear is essential for preventing infections. Avoid swimming or take care while taking a bath because moisture can lead to bacterial growth and other complications. You can use earplugs or cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly to create a protective barrier.
Warm Compresses
Applying warm compresses can help with pain relief. It promotes blood circulation, which is beneficial for the healing process of a ruptured eardrum. Gently place a warm compress against the affected ear for about 15–20 minutes. This will soothe discomfort and also aid in reducing inflammation. Don’t compress too hard to avoid any burns or discomfort.
Otc Painkillers
The next helpful method is using over-the-counter medicines. Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are also helpful in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage on the medication packaging. These painkillers can provide temporary relief during the healing process.
Prevent Traveling By Air
Air travel can worsen the condition of your ruptured eardrum with sudden air pressure changes. Try to avoid traveling by air in this condition, or at least consult your doctor before traveling. Avoid other activities with air pressure changes, like scuba diving as well.
Prevent Inserting Anything In The Ear
Resist itching temptations, and you should never insert anything in your ear. The doctor’s advice prevents such things even when you are completely fine as well. Avoid using earbuds or headphones as well, because these can put pressure on the ear canal. Inserting objects can further damage the eardrum or may also cause infection.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Rupturing the eardrum is not a very sensitive issue. It can be recovered with proper care and precautions if there is no infection. But if the condition is worse and you are feeling the symptoms shared below, you should visit a doctor.
- Head or neck injury
- Having fever
- Feeling very dizzy
- Feeling nausea or vomiting
- Any object stuck in their ear
- Significant hearing problems
Final Words
You can sleep on any side with a ruptured eardrum as long as there is no pressure on your eardrum. Alongside your sleeping position, you should also be careful with a few other things to protect your eardrum. The healing process is easy until there is no infection. Try to protect your ear in the best possible way to refrain from this situation.
If you have developed an infection, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Get a proper diagnosis and start your medication as soon as possible for the best recovery. You may also lose your hearing if it gets worse. So you should start with its treatment as soon as possible.
