Ear infections may cause a ruptured eardrum, more often in children. The infection causes pus or fluid to build up behind the eardrum. As the pressure increases, the eardrum may break open (rupture).

Damage to the eardrum can also occur from:

• A very loud noise close to the ear, such as a gunshot.
• A rapid change in ear pressure, which may occur when flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains.
• Foreign objects in the ear.
• Injury to the ear (such as a powerful slap or explosion).
• Inserting cotton-tipped swabs or small objects into the ear to clean them.