What Side Should I Sleep on With a Ruptured Eardrum?

What Side Should You Sleep on with A Ruptured Eardrum?

A ruptured eardrum can be a painful and disruptive experience, significantly impacting your daily life—including the quality of your sleep. Understanding which side to sleep on is vital for managing discomfort, aiding recovery, and ensuring proper healing. This guide walks you through the causes, symptoms, and optimal sleeping positions for dealing with a ruptured eardrum, while offering tips for enhancing your comfort and care during recovery.

What is A Ruptured Eardrum?

A ruptured eardrum, also known as a tympanic membrane perforation, occurs when the thin tissue separating your ear canal from your middle ear tears or develops a hole. This can be caused by:

Ear infections that create fluid pressure.
Sudden pressure changes, such as when flying or scuba diving.
Loud noises or acoustic trauma, like explosions or fireworks.
Foreign objects inserted into the ear canal.
Direct injury to the ear.

Common Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum

Identifying the symptoms of a ruptured eardrum can help you take swift action. They include:

Sharp ear pain that may subside suddenly.
Hearing loss in the affected ear.
Ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus).
Fluid drainage, which could be clear, yellowish, or bloody.
A sense of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Occasional dizziness or vertigo.

Most ruptured eardrums heal on their own within 2 to 8 weeks, but severe cases may require medical intervention.

Best Sleeping Positions for A Ruptured Eardrum

How you sleep plays a crucial role in alleviating pain and promoting the healing process. The following positions are recommended for optimal comfort and recovery:

1. Sleep on the Unaffected Side

If only one ear is affected, sleeping on the opposite side is the ideal choice. This position reduces pressure on the injured ear and allows any fluid to drain naturally. For example, if your left eardrum is ruptured, sleep on your right side.

2. Sleep on Your Back with an Elevated Head

For individuals with ruptures in both ears or those who prefer sleeping on their back, use an extra pillow to slightly elevate your head. This reduces ear pressure, minimizes pain, and prevents fluid buildup.

Why These Positions Work

Both positions help reduce pressure on the eardrum, alleviate discomfort, improve drainage, and lower the risk of complications during sleep.

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment

Beyond finding the right sleeping position, making other adjustments to your sleep environment can significantly improve your recovery.

1. Choose the Right Pillow

Opt for a medium-firm pillow that offers support without adding pressure to your ears. Specialty pillows, like contour pillows or side-sleeper pillows, can provide additional comfort.

2. Maintain an Optimal Room Temperature

A room that’s too hot or too cold may interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep. Aim for a temperature of around 65°F (18°C) for restful sleep.

3. Use a Heating Pad for Pain Relief

Place a cloth-covered heating pad on the affected ear for 10–15 minutes before bed. This can soothe pain and help relax the surrounding muscles.

What to Avoid When Sleeping with a Ruptured Eardrum

Certain habits and actions can hinder your recovery process or exacerbate your symptoms. Here’s what you should avoid:

Do not sleep on the affected ear: Pressure on the injured ear may worsen discomfort and slow healing.
Keep your ears dry: Avoid getting water in your ear by skipping swimming or wearing waterproof earplugs when showering.
Avoid using cotton swabs or inserting objects into your ear: This can worsen the rupture or introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Don’t blow your nose forcefully: This can create pressure in the middle ear and delay recovery.
Avoid flying: If possible, as altitude changes can harm your eardrum further.

Additional Tips for Eardrum Recovery and Better Sleep

Proper care and rest are essential for recovery when dealing with a ruptured eardrum. Here are additional tips to help you heal quickly while getting quality sleep:

1. Stay Hydrated and Rest

Staying hydrated supports your body’s healing processes. Combine this with ample sleep to give your eardrum the time it needs to recover.

2. Take Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Consult your doctor before use.

3. Consult a Doctor if Symptoms Persist

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Persistent or severe pain.
Profuse fluid drainage that doesn’t stop.
Difficulty hearing or worsening symptoms over time.

FAQs

Should I use earplugs or cotton balls while sleeping with a ruptured eardrum?

It’s generally not recommended to use earplugs or cotton balls in the ear with a ruptured eardrum unless advised by a doctor. These can introduce bacteria into the ear canal and may cause further complications. If you need to keep water or debris out of your ear while sleeping, your doctor may suggest a special ear bandage or cover.

Can sleeping on the wrong side make my ruptured eardrum worse?

Yes, sleeping on the side with a ruptured eardrum can worsen the condition. It can increase pressure on the ear, which may cause pain, hinder the healing process, or lead to infection. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding sleep positions.

What are the best sleep positions to avoid pressure on my ear?

The best sleep position is to lie on your back with your head slightly elevated. This helps reduce pressure on the affected ear. If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable, sleep on the opposite side of the ruptured ear with a pillow to keep your head elevated and prevent pressure on the ear.

How can I protect my ear while sleeping with a ruptured eardrum?

To protect your ruptured eardrum while sleeping, avoid direct pressure on the ear and try to sleep on your back or the opposite side. Your doctor may recommend using a soft ear cover to prevent water from entering the ear or other methods of protection.

What should I do if I feel pain or discomfort while sleeping with a ruptured eardrum?

If you experience pain or discomfort while sleeping, try adjusting your position to alleviate pressure on the ear. Using a soft pillow to support your head and elevating it may help reduce discomfort. If the pain persists, consult your doctor for further advice and potential treatments, such as pain management options.

The Path Toward Recovery

A ruptured eardrum may disrupt your routine, but with the right approach, recovery is well within reach. By paying attention to optimal sleeping positions, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly ease your symptoms and heal faster. Always prioritize your comfort and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt. With time, care, and proper rest, you’ll be back to good health and sound sleep in no time.

Beth Skwarecki

Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.