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Ear Injury

Description

Injuries to the outer ear, ear canal or eardrum.

Types of Ear Injuries:

  • Bruises and scratches of outer ear
  • Blood clot of outer ear
  • Ear canal bleeding due to scratch of ear canal (caused by cotton swab, fingernail, or medical ear exam)
  • Punctured eardrum due to long-pointed objects (caused by cotton swabs, pencils, sticks, straws, wires)

When to Call Your Doctor for Ear Injury

Call Your Doctor Now If:

  • You think your child has a serious injury
  • Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
  • Outer ear is very swollen
  • Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal
  • Clear fluid is draining from the ear canal
  • Walking is unsteady
  • Severe pain
  • Age < 1 year old

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Few drops of blood from ear canal due to minor injury, cotton swab or ear exam
  • Injury caused an earache or crying that persists
  • Hearing is decreased on injured side

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Bleeding

Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.

Cleansing

Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.

Antibiotic Ointment

Apply an antibiotic ointment to any cuts or scrapes. Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid. Change daily.

Pain Medicine

Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief. Expected Course: Minor ear injuries heal quickly, usually in 2 or 3 days.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Pain becomes severe
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.