(HealthDay News) -- A ruptured eardrum typically is caused by an ear infection, an injury to the ear, or sudden changes in air pressure.

Here are suggestions to help heal a ruptured eardrum, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:

• Follow all instructions from your doctor, and don't put anything inside your ear unless your doctor says it's OK.
• Keep water out of your ear when you take a bath or shower.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Be gentle when blowing your nose until your ear has healed.
• Don't go swimming or submerge your ear in water until your doctor approves.

-- Diana Kohnle

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