Symptoms Of A Ruptured Eardrum

Whistling Sound When Blowing Nose

A ruptured eardrum may cause a whistling sound when the patient blows their nose. In general, blowing the nose with a ruptured eardrum is not recommended. Doing so increases the pressure inside the ear, which can be very painful. It may slow down the rate at which the rupture heals, ultimately delaying recovery. Instead of blowing the nose, doctors suggest that patients with a ruptured eardrum clear their nose by exhaling gently through one nostril at a time to prevent alterations of the pressure inside the ears. Patients may wish to consult their physician about other remedies for nasal congestion that are safe to use with a ruptured eardrum. If a whistling sound when blowing the nose occurs, the patient should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The specialist can perform an otoscope exam and other tests to check whether the patient's eardrum is continuing to heal as it should, and they may be able to recommend steps to increase the speed of the patient's recovery.

Learn more about the warning signs of a ruptured eardrum now.