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How Long Does A Broken Eardrum Take To Heal And What Are The Future Preventive Measures While Waterskiing?
Question: I broke my eardrum waterski how long will it take to heal what can I do to protect it when I waterski how soon can I go in the water I am a professional water skier and need to get back to it as soon as possible what do you suggest
Brief Answer:
If it is small, may heal quickly
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is understandable to want to return to your activities. The time varies, larger ruptures can take longer to heal. In general the time frame for healing is 4 to 8 weeks. If there is an infection and it is treated appropriately, this may sometimes speed up the time. In some persons, rapid healing occurs in 2 to 3 weeks.
Water can increase the risk of infection, this is the reason that it is avoided. In general, swimming and even slight diving are avoided till it heals because of the contact of the water with the ear and also because of any possible changes in pressure (can cause additional issues) that occur with with a small dive.
Water skiing would only be allowed if no water comes into contact with the ear (and there is no diving into the water after) but this may not be likely or would be difficult to do.
Soap decreases water surface tension and increases the chance that hair washing than with plain water so you would need to be careful then as well. Cotton balls with Vaseline or earplugs would be needed then.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards
If it is small, may heal quickly
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is understandable to want to return to your activities. The time varies, larger ruptures can take longer to heal. In general the time frame for healing is 4 to 8 weeks. If there is an infection and it is treated appropriately, this may sometimes speed up the time. In some persons, rapid healing occurs in 2 to 3 weeks.
Water can increase the risk of infection, this is the reason that it is avoided. In general, swimming and even slight diving are avoided till it heals because of the contact of the water with the ear and also because of any possible changes in pressure (can cause additional issues) that occur with with a small dive.
Water skiing would only be allowed if no water comes into contact with the ear (and there is no diving into the water after) but this may not be likely or would be difficult to do.
Soap decreases water surface tension and increases the chance that hair washing than with plain water so you would need to be careful then as well. Cotton balls with Vaseline or earplugs would be needed then.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am very happy with the results you have given me. I know the risks if I ski early I probably will do that. I can ski easy to stay in rhythm. I can ski without getting it wet as long as I protect myself from a fall. Did you say it might heal faster if I get medication for it. It's been four days there is no pain it is draining clear what you think
broken eardrum again I forgot to ask about my balance after you break your eardrum. Balance is perfect I know that I think one of the reasons it's like that is my hearing is not normal sounds are different and which direction they're coming from is different so do you that affects the balance I do. And if I ski I'll take that into consideration. Thanks
broken eardrum again I forgot to ask about my balance after you break your eardrum. Balance is perfect I know that I think one of the reasons it's like that is my hearing is not normal sounds are different and which direction they're coming from is different so do you that affects the balance I do. And if I ski I'll take that into consideration. Thanks
Brief Answer:
If you can ski and protect the ears from getting wet, then that's ok
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Balance and hearing can be affected in some but usually resolves as it heals. Some persons also have tinnitus (ringing or other abnormal noises in the ear). If you not experiencing any of this or only minimal effects, that's good.
If you can ski without getting your ears wet and no jumping off and diving into the water then that would be okay. If there is any infection associated with the rupture then treating it would help it to heal faster.
Regards
If you can ski and protect the ears from getting wet, then that's ok
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Balance and hearing can be affected in some but usually resolves as it heals. Some persons also have tinnitus (ringing or other abnormal noises in the ear). If you not experiencing any of this or only minimal effects, that's good.
If you can ski without getting your ears wet and no jumping off and diving into the water then that would be okay. If there is any infection associated with the rupture then treating it would help it to heal faster.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am taking this medicine. sulfamethoxazole 800 MG I don't like the way it makes me feel should I call my doctor and asked for something different
Brief Answer:
You should contact your doctor as you mentioned
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If it is making you feel unwell then you should call, he or she may be able to suggest something that would agree with you and let you know an alternative way of taking it that may be better eg some antibiotics cause nausea and vomiting which improves if taken with food. Eg: Sulfamethoxazole.
Regards
You should contact your doctor as you mentioned
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If it is making you feel unwell then you should call, he or she may be able to suggest something that would agree with you and let you know an alternative way of taking it that may be better eg some antibiotics cause nausea and vomiting which improves if taken with food. Eg: Sulfamethoxazole.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
broken eardrum it's me again. I wonder if it's all right to clear your ears by holding your nose close and blowing
Brief Answer:
It is known to cause problems in some persons
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The maneuver that you are referring to is called the valsalva maneuver and a forceful valsalva can actually causes rupture of the ear drum. Because the maneuver itself can cause problems, it would be best not to do it unless your ENT states otherwise.
Regards
It is known to cause problems in some persons
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The maneuver that you are referring to is called the valsalva maneuver and a forceful valsalva can actually causes rupture of the ear drum. Because the maneuver itself can cause problems, it would be best not to do it unless your ENT states otherwise.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am taking sulfamethoxazole. My balance and my stomach are still bothering me. I waterski yesterday I didn't fall but I can tell my balance is not good. I race go karts I have a race on the 29th I will still be taking the medicine I'm worried about my balance if I stop taking the meds for the race on the 29th how early do I need to stop taking the meds so they won't be in my system for the race. My ear is healing very well there is no pain and no draining anymore my hearing isn't perfect yet. What do you think?
Brief Answer:
The ruptured ear drum affects balance
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The problems with balance are likely due to the ruptured ear drum not the medication. Loss of balance is one of the common complications from this condition.
Though you are not having pain or draining, it is important to remember that the ear drum takes at least 2 weeks (though not usually this short, but can happen), possibly up the 8 weeks.
In terms of the stomach complaints from the medication and your race, you can consider delaying the dose eg if the race is in the am, take it after or pm- the same- unless it is a whole day event.
Pepto-bismol may help with the nausea. If neither of these are options and the nausea is significant enough to affect your race, you may need to miss a dose or a day though really prefer this is not done because skipping antibiotics can affect effectiveness.
Regards
The ruptured ear drum affects balance
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The problems with balance are likely due to the ruptured ear drum not the medication. Loss of balance is one of the common complications from this condition.
Though you are not having pain or draining, it is important to remember that the ear drum takes at least 2 weeks (though not usually this short, but can happen), possibly up the 8 weeks.
In terms of the stomach complaints from the medication and your race, you can consider delaying the dose eg if the race is in the am, take it after or pm- the same- unless it is a whole day event.
Pepto-bismol may help with the nausea. If neither of these are options and the nausea is significant enough to affect your race, you may need to miss a dose or a day though really prefer this is not done because skipping antibiotics can affect effectiveness.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
that answer you gave me helps a lot I just want to make sure that I understood my plan is is the only missed one pill one in the morning I take two pills a day one in the morning and one at night so it looks like I'll be missing one that should make a big difference people do that by accident all time. I really appreciate the answers you give me helps me make a decision and I know the decision is mine is good to have somebody to bounce your ideas off of thanks
Brief Answer:
Glad to help you
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No problem at all.
Wishing you the best, if there are any other queries, can let me know.
Regards
Glad to help you
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
No problem at all.
Wishing you the best, if there are any other queries, can let me know.
Regards
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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