Tympanitis is produced by congestion of the vascular eardrum. It can appear in the course of an external otitis or otitis media.
Risk factors. Cleaning the ears with a cotton swab may damage the eardrum if it enters too far into the ear. A perforated or ruptured eardrum can cause a sharp pain, ear drainage, ringing, dizziness or hearing loss. In severe cases, it can cause vertigo.
Treatment. Most cases of a ruptured eardrum will heal on their own within a few months, although in some cases complicated surgery may be required.