Ruptured eardrum symptoms include hearing loss and ear bleeding. In many cases, a ruptured eardrum heals on its own. But if it doesn't, you may need tympanoplasty. During this procedure, a surgeon repairs any holes or tears in your eardrum.

Yes, a "busted" or ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) can certainly bleed, though it doesn't always happen. If the rupture is caused by a sudden trauma—such as a sharp object, an explosion, or a physical strike to the ear—bleeding or a bloody discharge is a very common immediate symptom. If the cause is a middle ear infection, you might instead see a discharge of pus mixed with small amounts of blood. Other hallmark signs include a sudden, sharp ear pain that may quickly disappear, followed by hearing loss, ringing (tinnitus), or a spinning sensation (vertigo). In 2026, most doctors can diagnose this instantly using a digital otoscope. While many small tears heal on their own within a few weeks, it is vital to keep the ear dry to prevent infection. If the bleeding is persistent or accompanied by severe dizziness, immediate medical intervention or surgery (tympanoplasty) may be required.