The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2015-02-23 15:59
I think I perforated my eardrum this morning. I'm seeing a doctor this evening and expect normal medical advice but not music/clarinet-specific advice
Has anyone had a perforated eardrum?
Does playing the clarinet effect the proper healing of the eardrum?
Should I avoid wind band rehearsals (due to volume) until it's healed?
Many thanks
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The older I get, the better I was
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2015-02-23 16:48
As a veteran of many perforated eardrums, I do not think that the actual playing does any damage to the healing process but, of course, you will not be able to hear yourself or the other participants in the band as well as you normally would.
The thing is, as far as I can understand, because the eardrum is perforated it will not vibrate as normal so there is no risk of sound at a high volume causing damage but this also means that the hearing will not be normal.
You have my commiserations and sympathy! Hope you feel better soon.
Vanessa.
PS - Disclaimer - please note that I am not a nurse, doctor or audiologist - I only give my opinion as someone who has suffered from this condition on numerous occasions.
Post Edited (2015-02-23 17:00)
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Author: sdr
Date: 2015-02-23 21:33
Perforated ear drum is not adversely affected by playing clarinet but you should avoid "popping" your ears with forceful nose blowing until the perf heals. You must also observe strict water precautions --- cotton ball covered with a small smudge of Vaseline (NOT cork grease) works well --- until
healed.
With a perf of any size you are likely to be aware that the ear feels full and sounds are a bit muffled but you have to lose more than 25% of the surface area of the drum to produce a measurable conductive hearing loss.
-sdr
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Steven D Rauch, MD
Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs
Dept. of Otology and Laryngology
Harvard Medical School
Chief, Vestibular Division
Otolaryngology Dept.
Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary and Mass. General Hospital
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617-573-3644
Email: steven_rauch@meei harvard.edu
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