Health Tip: Caring for a Ruptured Eardrum

(HealthDay News) -- A ruptured eardrum typically is caused by an ear infection, an injury to the ear, or sudden changes in air pressure.

Here are suggestions to help heal a ruptured eardrum, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

• Follow all instructions from your doctor, and don't put anything inside your ear unless your doctor says it's OK.

• Keep water out of your ear when you take a bath or shower.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

• Be gentle when blowing your nose until your ear has healed.

• Don't go swimming or submerge your ear in water until your doctor approves.