Possible ruptured eardrum

[nicolewi]

DD age 11 fell waterskiing—was doing great but hit waves and went down second time ever skiing. Immediately said her ear really hurt. Still really hurts hours later. Gave Motrin but isn’t helping. Online says try warm compress but no other advice.

Has this happened to anyone? How long did the pain last? Advice??

We will go to urgent care tomorrow if still bad but Dr Google says there isn’t really anything to do other than give it time. Maybe antibiotics but currently she is already on them for skin infection!! Argh. It is too bad this happened!!!

[heygrey]

I ruptured my ear drum last fall at work. It was sore and achy for a couple days, the first 24 hours was the worst, but it was ultimately fine. I didn't go to the doctor for it, but was there several weeks later for something else and he mentioned that it was scarred and he could tell it had ruptured recently. Whoops.

I wouldn't rush to the doctor unless the pain gets significantly worse. Bodies are meant to heal themselves. If she's already on antibiotics the risk of infection is quite low.

[thebreakfastclub]

Does your child have a pediatrician? To me, this is what a call to the nurse line is for.

[nicolewi]

Aug 26, 2024 9:20:13 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

Does your child have a pediatrician? To me, this is what a call to the nurse line is for.

Yes…we are out of town but I am thinking of calling for advice if it still hurts when she gets up. I was worried about last night, but she slept all night.

[cmeon]

FYI- we all should protect our ears during high speed water sports- for this reason and just to protect hearing (the wind is loud). There are neoprene bands that wrap around the head over ears or soft ear plugs designed to absorb high speed water impact.

I personally would have her checked out- sometimes after a high speed fall water or debris can be forced through the rupture, delaying healing. I feel for her, this can be quite painful until it heals over. Definitely stay out of the water until she has the ok- and protect everyone elses ears before they get on skis/boards.

[abs]

I would have it checked out by an ENT.

DH had a ruptured eardrum a few years ago after getting hit in the head with a softball. Took about 8 months to heal and he had water restrictions during that time to prevent infection.