Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Chronicle
MOL Site Map
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Ruptured Eardrum
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a ruptured eardrum starts with a medical history and physical examination. Most holes in the eardrum can be seen during an examination with an otoscope. An otoscope is a lighted microscope with an air pump that is specially designed for the ear.
The healthcare provider may direct a small amount of air into the ear with the otoscope. When there is a hole in the eardrum, the air will not make the eardrum move.
For very small holes, a tympanogram may be useful. A tympanogram measures eardrum movement and ear canal volume.
A hearing test can measure the degree of the hearing impairment. A hearing test can show if there has been damage to the nerve portion of hearing.