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Ruptured Ear Drum. Is It Okay To Play Football?

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Posted on Fri, 14 Sep 2012
Question: My son has a ruptured ear drum, is it ok to play high school footbal with this injury?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Hi

Yes you can play sports with a ruptured ear drum, it normally heals on its own after a few weeks,in some cases up to 2 months. Try not to let anything enter into the ear while playing.

Uncomplicated tympanic membrane perforation usually requires no treatment. They tend to remain stable and only reperforate in 10% of patients.

Medical therapy is usually aimed at controlling any drainage present. Though toxicity from eardrops has not been demonstrated unequivocally, the use of systemic antibiotics is preferred if necessary.

Any complications from the perforation , such as hearing loss is usually temporary.

In rare cases other complications can occur such as long term hearing loss, spread of infection to the bone, dizziness.

I hope this information is helpful, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Ruptured Ear Drum. Is It Okay To Play Football?

Hi

Yes you can play sports with a ruptured ear drum, it normally heals on its own after a few weeks,in some cases up to 2 months. Try not to let anything enter into the ear while playing.

Uncomplicated tympanic membrane perforation usually requires no treatment. They tend to remain stable and only reperforate in 10% of patients.

Medical therapy is usually aimed at controlling any drainage present. Though toxicity from eardrops has not been demonstrated unequivocally, the use of systemic antibiotics is preferred if necessary.

Any complications from the perforation , such as hearing loss is usually temporary.

In rare cases other complications can occur such as long term hearing loss, spread of infection to the bone, dizziness.

I hope this information is helpful, feel free to ask any other questions