Mikveh with ruptured eardrum

Home / Q&A / Mikveh Preparation / Mikveh with ruptured eardrum

March 23, 2024

Question

I had a severe ear infection that ripped a hole in my eardrum 3 weeks ago. I went to the doctor today who said if I put my head under the water I will 100% get an infection and possibly cause hearing loss. He said I could put my head underwater briefly with an earplug. No cotton in the ear. The doctor is unsure if the hole will ever repair.
I was supposed to go to the mikvah last week.
Can I go to the mikvah with an ear plug?

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us.
This cycle, you may immerse with a single dip using an ear plug inserted inside the ear canal, so that it does not extend outside the opening of the ear. If you follow Ashkenazi customs, you should recite the bracha after the immersion.
After you immerse, please get back in touch with your physician and ask whether at some point it might be safe for you to immerse with cotton coated with oil placed inside the ear, and follow up with us with his response.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
We wish you a refuah sheleimah!

Taharat HaMishpacha

Marriage

Life Stages

Fertility

Women's Health