AI summary
Summary of article:
Zhushan Xiuchuan Hospital treated two cases of eardrum rupture caused by mosquitoes. The doctor reminded not to repeatedly pat the ears or use cotton swabs indiscriminately, otherwise it may cause perforation of the eardrum, infection, and even permanent hearing loss.
Two special cases of “ruptured eardrums” occurred at Zhushan Xiuchuan Hospital in Nantou, Taiwan, and the culprits were actually “mosquitoes.” Some people slapped themselves so hard to ward off mosquitoes that their eardrums burst; Another man, while taking out his ears to ward off mosquitoes, pushed a cotton swab deep into his ear canal, causing a hole in his eardrums. Doctors remind you not to press your ears hard to protect against mosquitoes. In the worst case, it can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Takeshan Shuden Hospital reported that the mosquito infestation has become an “invisible killer” that causes ruptured eardrums. A patient went to the hospital because of severe pain and tingling in his ears. After enquiry, they came to know that the patient had been disturbed by mosquitoes while sleeping the night before. While sleeping, he slapped his ear hard, which caused pain and discomfort in his ear. After investigation, he found out that his eardrum had burst on its own.
Another patient also saw a doctor with pain and discomfort in the ears. However, he was bothered by mosquitoes when he was using cotton swabs to clean his ears. He waved his hand to shoo them away but forgot that the cotton swab was still stuck in the ear canal. He suddenly hit the knot and pushed the cotton swab straight deep into the ear canal, causing a puncture to the eardrum and a painful hole in the eardrum.
Zhuang Biqun, director of Zhushan Xiuchuan Hospital and an otolaryngologist, said the eardrum is like a drum, transmitting sound through vibrations and reflected sound waves. Instantaneous high pressure and lifting mechanics are the main causes of the two cases of “eardrum rupture”; The first is caused by a sudden strong airflow, which causes the barometric eardrum to burst; The latter directly perforates the eardrum, which can also damage the ossicular chain.
Although the eardrum has a certain self-repair ability, small holes can usually heal on their own within a few weeks. However, if the perforation is very large or is accompanied by bone damage or secondary infection, surgical repair may be required. The most serious consequences are long-term hearing loss and irreversible permanent damage. Special attention should be paid and the ear should never be tapped again.
Additionally, you should avoid using cotton swabs or metal ear picks to avoid causing earwax to penetrate deeper and easily cause painful holes in the eardrum. If you have excessive earwax accumulation or mosquitoes are entering your ears, seek medical help. For severe ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, bleeding or discharge, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. To avoid secondary otitis media, do not spill medicine or water on yourself.
Summary FAQ
-
When he was half asleep, one of them slapped him hard on his ear to drive away the mosquitoes and due to the strong pressure of the air his eardrum burst; Another man was bothered by mosquitoes when he was picking out his ears, and when he waved his hand, he pushed the cotton swab deep into the ear canal, directly puncturing the eardrum.
-
Doctors explain that the eardrum, like the tympanic membrane, is very sensitive to external force and air pressure. If the ear is slapped momentarily, a high-voltage effect will occur; If you have a cotton swab or ear tube, leverage is more likely to cause painful perforation.
-
You should avoid tapping your ears hard using cotton swabs or metal ear picks. If you have excessive earwax or mosquitoes, you should seek medical attention. If you experience severe ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, bleeding or discharge, seek medical help as soon as possible.
