"Best Sleeping Position for a Ruptured Eardrum: On Which Side Should You Sleep?"
A ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin membrane inside the ear that helps with hearing. The eardrum can be damaged by ear infections, sudden changes in pressure, or injuries from inserting items into the ear. Ruptured eardrums can be painful and interfere with sleep. For this reason, some people with ruptured eardrums may wonder which side they should sleep on.
There isn’t a universal solution for how to sleep with a ruptured eardrum. However, if the eardrums hurt, sleeping in a new position may be more comfortable. We discuss common symptoms and causes of ruptured eardrums and ways that people can take care of their ears and reduce discomfort. We also discuss when to seek medical care for a ruptured eardrum and what to expect for treatment and follow-up.
How to Sleep With a Ruptured Eardrum
People may have difficulty sleeping when one or both ears hurt. Therefore, people with ear pain after a ruptured eardrum should talk to their doctors about pain relief to help them sleep comfortably. In addition, temporary adjustments to sleeping positions may help reduce discomfort from sleeping on a ruptured eardrum.
Depending on the cause, people may have ruptured eardrums in one or both ears. If only one eardrum is ruptured, then they may feel more comfortable sleeping on their back or the side of the opposite ear, with the ruptured ear facing up. Side sleeping in this way may also help ear drops absorb if they are prescribed or recommended by a doctor.
If both eardrums are ruptured, then back sleeping may be the most comfortable position until the ears heal. People who feel a lot of pressure in their ears might also consider sleeping upright or on multiple pillows. One small study found that people with chronically ruptured eardrums had higher pressures in their middle ears
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when lying down compared to when upright.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum
Some people may not experience any symptoms during or after a ruptured eardrum. However, common symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:
Intense, sharp ear pain
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On what side should you sleep with a ruptured eardrum
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Clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid that drains from the ear
Partial hearing loss
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in the injured ear
Ringing in the injured ear
Some people may feel a spinning sensation
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after a ruptured eardrum. If it occurs, the spinning sensation usually lasts for a very short time. However, if the spinning sensation does not improve quickly then this may mean that the inner ear is damaged.
