When should I see a doctor about a perforated eardrum?

 If you have symptoms of an ear infection or a perforated eardrum that do not start to improve after a few days, it’s important to see a doctor. Treating an ear infection early can prevent eardrum perforation. It’s also important to seek medical help if:

• you have sudden hearing loss in one or both ears 

• your hearing has been getting gradually worse over a few weeks

• you have hearing loss with pain or discharge from the ear