When you have a perforated eardrum, it can be hard to get a decent quality, good night’s sleep. The perforated eardrum, also known as a ruptured eardrum, occurs when a hole or tear develops in the tissue that separates your ear canal from your middle ear. It can be painful, result in hearing loss, drainage of fluid, and even a feeling of pain when in bed. In such cases, what side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum becomes a crucial question, as the sleeping position plays an important role in providing comfort and supporting the healing process.
In this feature, we’ll help explain how to best sleep with the condition, tips for recovery, and address the worries people have when they suffer from this condition. Keep in mind, the more you sleep, the more you let your body heal naturally. But how do you sleep in such a way that you don’t end up in more pain, or slow down recovery?
Key Points:
- Sleep on the good opposite the shattered ear.
- Maintain an angled position to prevent pressure.
- Anything should not be inserted into the ear while one is sleeping.
Why Does It Matter Which Side I Sleep On After Bursting An Eardrum?
When you have a ruptured eardrum, the way you sleep significantly influences how comfortable and fast you recover. If you lay on the affected side, you have gravity helping fluids in the ear to escape; that may sound like a good thing, but it can make things worse, irritating or causing more infection. And frequent or prolonged pressure on the injured joint can cause more pain and delay healing.
Instead, lying with the ear to the opening side maintains these essential ear ventilation and drying conditions. Sleeping in an elevated, semi-upright position also helps the fluid to drain away and lowers the chance of infection. This is particularly important in the first few nights after the perforation, since the ear is most susceptible then.
Reminder: Follow your doctor’s recommendations if you’ve been prescribed certain medications or ear drops.
Sleeping on the side of the body not affected by the spine, with a firm pillow below the head to keep the head at an angle, can be of great help in this regard. If you’re not sure which ear is affected, or if both ears are injured, be sure to see a doctor before determining which way to sleep.
Will Sleeping On The Wrong Side Cause A Who Ruptured Eardrum Worse?
Yes, sleeping on the wrong side could exacerbate symptoms or slow the healing process. Pressure on the injured part of the ear can result in discomfort, increased drainage, and even secondary infections. Lying on the broken side would perhaps make a moist environment, and bacteria might grow.
For instance, an individual with a left ear eardrum rupture will not set on the left side while sleeping. On the other hand, sleeping on the right side keeps the injured ear from resting on the pillow and is not as uncomfortable because there is not as much extra pressure. The concept is to leave the ear as undisturbed as possible, permitting air to circulate and your body to heal itself.
Here’s what sleeping on the right vs. the wrong side can do for you:
| Position | Effect on Healing | Comfort Level | Infection Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correct Side (opposite) | Promotes proper drainage | High | Low |
| Wrong Side (same) | Slows recovery | Low | High |
Note: If you’re a back sleeper, look out for that potentially fluid-retaining position and prop your head up at night.
How To Sleep With A Burst Eardrum With Minimal Pain?
Pain is the most common barrier to getting decent sleep with a burst eardrum. There are a few ways to alleviate swelling as well as aid in the healing process. The first step is to control pain with nonprescription pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But, as always, consult with a healthcare professional before taking medications.
A warm compress placed close to (though not directly on) the affected ear can also soothe pain and discomfort. Do not apply hot packs directly as too much heat may aggravate the region. Opt for some breathable pillows, and steer clear of anything that would make you hot and sweaty.
It’s all about good sleep posture. This prevents fluid drainage from the ear and the resulting pressure buildup. This helps you stay asleep through the night, so you won’t wake up in pain.
Here’s a useful graphic on ways to relieve your pain:
| Method | Description | Effectiveness |
| OTC Painkillers | Ibuprofen, acetaminophen | High |
| Warm Compress | Near affected ear, helps with pressure relief | Moderate |
| Elevated Sleeping Position | Pillows to raise head | High |
Can I use earplugs or cotton while sleeping?
One frequently asked question is whether it’s acceptable to use earplugs or cotton balls to block out noise or protect the ear while sleeping. The answer is generally no, particularly with a perforated eardrum. Putting anything into the ear canal can make the injury worse, give you an infection, or push the fluid down.
Even a gentle cotton can cause issues once it starts holding onto drainage and trapping moisture. The moisture can become a bed for bacterial growth and secondary infection. It is best to keep the ear dry and open to the air when able.
If you have fluid leaking from your ear at night, consult with a healthcare provider. In certain instances, they could recommend a sterile, porous cover for short-term use, but only under a doctor’s direction.
Reminder: Don’t put anything in an ear with a perforated eardrum without a doctor’s permission.
What Are Some Other Ways To Sleep With A Burst Eardrum?
In addition to sleeping on the right side, there are some other tricks that can help with sleep:
- Elevate your head with a wedge pillow or with several pillows.
- Keep your sleeping chamber cool, dry, and dark for better slumber.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine later in the evening, says Sonpal — they can disturb sleep and promote inflammation.
- Have a soothing bedtime habit like reading or light stretching to help relax your body.
Some people also find relief using a white noise machine to mask discomfort, but you’ll want to keep them away from the injured ear.
Stick to your sleep routine. Your body repairs itself best when you stick to a regular sleep cycle, so it pays to hit the hay and rise at the same time every day.
Conclusion
A perforated or ruptured eardrum can be painful, especially at night, but a few simple tactics can help you get the rest you need. The best way is to sleep on the other side of your ear and with your head up. Do not put anything in your ears, and keep your ears dry when sleeping.
And if symptoms worsen or don’t get better after a couple of days, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your health care provider. Sleep is important for recovery, and these little tips can really add up.
FAQ’s
What position should I sleep in with a perforated eardrum?
You must lie down on the opposite side of the ear that has the tear in order to avoid increasing the pressure and retaining fluids.
Can you sleep on your back if you have a burst eardrum?
Yes, but prop up my head with pillows so that there is less pressure and drainage is encouraged.
Is it good to put hand on ear while sleeping?
The ear should not be covered unless advised by a doctor, who may want to prevent the ear from getting wet or repeatedly removing water from the ear, which could trap moisture and increase the risk for infection.
How long does it take for a burst eardrum to heal?
Most perforations of the eardrum will heal themselves within several weeks to a month but there are some which may require medical treatment.
Is it safe to use earbuds or headphones while sleeping with a burst eardrum?
No, you can do more damage but putting anything in the ear until it is healed.
