It is important to sleep on the unaffected side in order to avoid putting any additional pressure on the ruptured eardrum. Sleeping on the side with the ruptured eardrum can cause pain and discomfort.
Do you suffer from a ruptured eardrum? If so, you may be wondering what side to sleep on to try and minimize the pain. Well, the answer may surprise you! In this blog post, you’ll learn why sleeping on your side can be beneficial and what to consider when deciding which side to choose. We’ll also look at some of the other strategies you can use to ease your discomfort.
So let’s dive in and explore the realm of sleeping on a ruptured eardrum!

What Is a Ruptured Eardrum?
A ruptured eardrum, also known as a tympanic membrane perforation, is a tear or hole in the thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It is usually caused by a loud noise, sudden change in pressure, or an object that punctures the eardrum. It can lead to pain, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
When sleeping with a ruptured eardrum, it is best to sleep on the unaffected side. This will help reduce the risk of further damage to the ear and will make it easier to keep the ear dry. Additionally, wearing a bandage or dressing over the affected ear may help protect the ear from further damage.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Eardrum
When a person experiences a ruptured eardrum, they may experience a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include pain in the ear, a feeling of fullness in the ear, drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and vertigo. In addition to these common symptoms, a person with a ruptured eardrum should be aware of what side to sleep on.
Generally, it is recommended to sleep on the side of the ruptured eardrum, as this can help keep the ear dry and reduce the risk of further damage. If the ear is kept dry, the healing process can be accelerated. However, if the ear is not kept dry, the healing process could be prolonged.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of which side to sleep on when dealing with a ruptured eardrum.
Treating a Ruptured Eardrum
When you have a ruptured eardrum, it’s important to be mindful of how you sleep. Generally speaking, it is best to sleep on the unaffected side of your body. This means that if your right ear is affected, you should sleep on your left side.
This can help to reduce pressure on the ear and reduce the risk of worsening the injury. Additionally, it may be beneficial to prop up the affected ear with a pillow to reduce the risk of further injury. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your eardrum has the best chance of healing properly.
Medication for a Ruptured Eardrum
A ruptured eardrum is a common injury that can be quite painful and uncomfortable. It is important to take medication to reduce pain and inflammation, but also to consider how your sleep position can ease your symptoms. Generally, it is best to sleep on the side opposite of the ruptured eardrum in order to minimize pressure and discomfort.
Additionally, you can use a soft pillow to support your head and neck, and avoid sleeping on your stomach. With the right medication and sleep position, you should be able to manage your symptoms and recover quickly.
Surgery for a Ruptured Eardrum
When a person has a ruptured eardrum, it is important to take care and ensure that it heals properly. One of the things to consider is what side to sleep on in order to avoid any obstruction to the healing process. Generally, it is best to sleep on the side opposite the ruptured eardrum.
This will reduce any pressure that may be put on the eardrum, allowing it to heal properly and avoid further damage. Additionally, it is important to keep the area around the ear clean and free of any debris or bacteria that could also obstruct the healing process. It is also recommended to use a soft and comfortable pillow to ensure that the eardrum is not pressed against anything during the night.
Taking these precautions will help ensure that the eardrum heals properly.
Sleep Considerations for a Ruptured Eardrum
Having a ruptured eardrum can be painful and disruptive to everyday activities. One important consideration for people with a ruptured eardrum is what side to sleep on. Generally, it is best to sleep on the unaffected ear, as sleeping on the affected side can cause further disruption and discomfort.
Additionally, the affected side should be protected from pressure or contact with any objects. Pillows should be placed to avoid direct contact with the affected side, and sleeping with your head elevated may also help reduce the pain. Furthermore, it is important to take any pain relief prescribed by your doctor before going to bed to reduce discomfort.
By following these steps, people with a ruptured eardrum can get a good night’s rest.
Sleeping Positions for a Ruptured Eardrum
Sleeping on the side with a ruptured eardrum can be a tricky situation. It’s important to find the right balance between providing relief to the affected area while still getting restful sleep. Generally, it is recommended to sleep on the side opposite the rupture.
This allows gravity to keep fluid away from the eardrum while still giving the affected area a chance to rest and heal. Additionally, it is beneficial to use a body pillow or extra cushioning to provide support and protection to the affected ear. Finally, using a sleep mask or earplugs can help block out any noise or light that may disrupt your sleep.
Taking these precautions can help ensure a restful night’s sleep while also providing relief and comfort for your ruptured eardrum.
Sleep Aids for a Ruptured Eardrum
Having a ruptured eardrum can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. To get a good night’s rest, it is important to know what sleeping positions are best for a ruptured eardrum. Generally, the best side to sleep on with a ruptured eardrum is the unaffected ear.
This will help to protect the ruptured eardrum from any further damage and help to reduce pain and pressure. Additionally, it is important to use pillows to prop up the unaffected ear and avoid lying flat on the back. By doing so, the pressure on the ruptured eardrum is reduced and the healing process may be expedited.
Preventing a Ruptured Eardrum
Sleeping on the right side can be beneficial for preventing a ruptured eardrum. This is because the affected ear should be kept as elevated as possible to help reduce the pressure in the inner ear. Additionally, lying on the right side can help drain any fluids or debris from the ear that can accumulate and cause further damage.
It is important to note, however, that this may not be the most comfortable position for everyone, so it is important to find the best sleeping position for the individual to avoid further discomfort or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to sleep on my side with a ruptured eardrum?
No, it is not safe to sleep on your side with a ruptured eardrum. Furthermore, sleeping in an upright position is recommended to reduce the risk of further damage.
2. Should I use a pillow when I’m sleeping on my side with a ruptured eardrum?
Yes, you should use a pillow when sleeping on your side with a ruptured eardrum. To reduce pressure on your ear, you should prop up your head with the pillow to create a comfortable sleeping position. Additionally, placing a pillow between your legs can help reduce lower back pain.
3. Are there any specific positions I should avoid when sleeping with a ruptured eardrum?
Yes, you should avoid sleeping in a position that places pressure on your eardrum. Specifically, you should avoid sleeping on the side of your ruptured eardrum, as this can cause pain and further complications. Additionally, sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce pain and discomfort.