I Might Have a Burst Eardrum — How Can I Be Sure?

A month ago I went to the ENT. He said my high tones were fine and that I just have to ignore my tinnitus.

He also found out that I have negative pressure (-50) in my right ear where the tinnitus is.

Now I'm thinking I have a burst eardrum. Although I’m not sure because he looked into my ear with an otoscope.

I also went in the shower and some water went into my ears, after which my tinnitus became louder.

How do I know for sure if I have a burst eardrum, or not?

Thanks, Willy

 

Close nose and mouth. Blow out. Does air come out of your ear?

 

Your ENT doc told you you didn't and you state you have a negative pressure (presumably from tympanometry results), both of which are indications that you do not have a hole.

Why do you think you have a perforation? Did something happen since those tests?

 

No, but before those tests I had someone scream at the top of his lungs in my ear and I do not know if I can trust an ENT, maybe he overlooked something?

 

There are 2 pieces of info. One is the ENT's assessment (which you don't seem to have much faith in), the other one is the pressure reading from the tympanometry test (I assume that's how you got the negative number from).

Do you think both are likely to be bogus simultaneously?

 

Hey, sorry I’m sadly not English, I don't understand what bogus means? Could you repeat the question please.

 

I mean that for you to have had a hole in your ear drum, both the ENT's assessment and the tympanometry results you got would have had to be wrong simultaneously. Is that likely?

 

You can buy a video otoscope and check your own ears.