Perforated eardrum. Artwork of a perforated (torn) eardrum (right), or tympanic membrane, and a normal eardrum (left), as seen from the outer ear. The eardrum is a very thin membrane and can easily be torn by trauma, infection, a loud noise, or the insertion of a foreign object into the ear canal. The eardrum transmits sounds, by vibration, from the outer ear to the middle ear. Therefore perforation of the eardrum can reduce hearing. A perforated eardrum should heal within a month or so, but if badly damaged may require surgery.