If an eardrum becomes punctured, what may happen if water leaks in?

Subject: If an eardrum becomes punctured, what may happen if water leaks in?

Date: Thu Apr 15 07:15:57 1999
Posted by John F. Rethage
Grade level: undergrad School: Uni of Maryland Asian Division
City: Taegu State/Province: S Korea Country: Korea
Area of science: Medicine
ID: 924178557.Me

Message:

Once an eardrum becomes punctured and it does not heal/close, what are some side effects if water leaks down into the middles ear? For example, if one goes swimming with a hole in his/her eardrum and does not wear ear plugs. Can water leak into the middle ear causing complications? If so, what are some of the complications?