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.