Ear Injury

Recently Answered

• QWhat causes ear injuries?

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  A Dr. Kathleen Handal, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  An ear problem may be from the inner, middle or outer ear. The eardrum can rupture from a direct blow, infection, loud noise or deep dive. Dirt and bacteria from the outer canal can travel into the inner ear, causing an infection. Drainage from the ear can also be a sign of a head injury. Ear conditions can effect hearing, balance and cause dizziness.
• QWhat is an ear injury?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Ear injuries include external damage to the soft tissue of the outer ear or internal damage to the eardrum or ear canal of the inner ear. For the outer ear, injuries can include scratches, bruises, blood clotting, cuts, or swelling of the fleshy ear tissue. Internal ear injuries are often the result of unintended, self-inflicted damage done by inserting objects into the ear and may result in a ruptured eardrum. The eardrum also may rupture when subjected to air pressure changes, as from flying or deep sea diving. It also can result from a hard slap to the ear, particularly when the ear is wet.

• QWhat causes an ear injury?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  External ear injuries (injuries to the soft fleshy tissue of the ear) may be caused by any force or trauma applied to the ear. These include blows or accidents that cause scratches, bruises, blood clotting, cuts, or swelling of the fleshy tissue. Internal ear injuries (injuries to the ear canal or eardrum) can be caused by sticking things in the ear (a cotton swab, finger, or pencil) or from abrupt changes in pressure, as from flying or deep sea diving. The eardrum also may be ruptured by a blow to the ear, particularly when the ear is wet.

• QWhat are the symptoms of an ear injury?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  For external ear injuries (damage to the soft, fleshy tissue of the ear), symptoms may include cuts, abrasions, bleeding, bruising, or swelling of the skin. For internal injuries (ruptured eardrums, damaged ear canal, items stuck in the ear), symptoms may include pain, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or the sensation of hearing noises. With some internal ear injuries, there also may be blood or clear liquid coming from the ear canal.

• QHow does an ear injury affect the body?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  How an ear injury affects the body depends on the type of injury. External injuries to the soft flesh of the ear can cause deformity and permanent damage. For example, if a blow is received to the ear that causes swelling, the swelling can be severe enough to cut blood flow to the ear cartilage. If that happens, the cartilage can die and become deformed. This is known as cauliflower ear and is common among boxers, wrestlers, and others who regularly experience blows to the ear.

  Internal injuries to the ear (damage to the ear canal or eardrum) can make a person dizzy, unable to hold their balance, and nauseous. Damage to this part of the ear often affects a person's equilibrium.

• QWhat increases my risk for an ear injury?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  One means of increasing ear injury risk is by putting things in your ears. Obviously, you should not put sharp objects in your ears, but even cotton swabs can be dangerous. Participating in activities that cause abrupt air pressure changes (flying, deep sea diving) also increase risk, as they put pressure on the eardrum. Playing sports in which blows to the head are common (boxing, wrestling, rugby) also increases risk of ear injury.

• QHow is an ear injury diagnosed?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Ear injuries are fairly simple to diagnose as most result from an event, such as a blow to the head, an activity that causes an abrupt change in air pressure, or something being put into the ear canal. If the ear injury is external (damage to the fleshy part of the ear), there will be cuts, abrasions, bleeding, bruising, or swelling of the skin caused by a blow to the ear or some other trauma. If the ear injury is internal (damage to the ear canal or eardrum), you may be able to see the object in the ear, the person may be experiencing pain, nausea, dizziness, ringing ears, or hearing loss. Also, an event such as deep sea diving or flying may have preceded the symptoms.

• QShould I talk to my doctor about my ear injury symptoms?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Whether or not you should talk to your doctor about an ear injury depends on its severity. For an external ear injury (damage to the fleshy ear tissue), there may be cuts, abrasions, bleeding, bruising, or swelling of the skin. Seek medical help if part of the ear has been cut off (being sure to take the ear with you); if bleeding will not stop after applying direct pressure for 10 minutes or longer; if there is a wide gash that may need stitches; if the ear is very swollen; or if blood or clear liquid is coming from the ear canal. For an internal ear injury (damage to the ear canal or eardrum), seek medical help if there is pain, dizziness, nausea, unsteadiness when walking, blood or clear liquid coming from the ear canal, or an object is still in the ear and will not come out easily. Objects stuck in the ear should only be removed by medical professionals.

• QCan an ear injury be prevented?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Yes, there are several steps you can take to prevent ear injuries. Don't put things in your ear canal. If you have children, teach them not to do so either. Do not place anything in your ears to clean them out and do not pound or beat your head to try to get something to come out of your ears. When flying, yawn, chew gum, or suck on candy during takeoff and landing to help decrease pressure in the ears. Avoid flying when you are congested or have a cold. Take appropriate measures when you are scuba or deep sea diving to equalize the pressure in your ears. Treat ear infections immediately; this applies to yourself and to your children. To help prevent external ear injuries, avoid sports in which blows to the ears are common, such as rugby, boxing, or wrestling.

• QHow do I manage an ear injury on a daily basis?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  For daily management of external ear injuries, be sure to keep any cuts and abrasions clean and bandaged. Get a tetanus shot, particularly if you have not had one in several years and if dirt entered the wound. Daily care of internal ear injuries will vary based on the cause. If an object got into the ear and has been removed without causing damage, then no daily care is required. If an object ruptured the eardrum, the eardrum typically will repair itself in a few weeks. During those weeks, keep the ear dry, do not clean inside the ears, and try not to blow your nose.