Contents:
Medical Video: Tympanic Membrane Perforation (Hole in the Ear Drum)
- Definition
What is ear trauma?
Most trauma or ear injuries result in bruising and scratches. If there is a serious swelling of the ear, there is a blood clot, it can cause permanent damage to the shape of the ear that cannot be handled by a doctor. Most bleeding from the ear canal is due to scratches caused by nails, cotton buds, or doctor's otoscope. This stroke results in small bleeding which only a few drops later recovers easily. Long, pointed objects, such as pencils, sticks, straws, or wires, can risk piercing the eardrum or even causing more severe damage to hearing.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Signs and symptoms include partial hearing loss which mostly involves exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss can become more severe.
Sometimes injuries can also make the ears buzz or hear disturbing sounds.
- How to overcome
What should I do?
Clean the wound using soap and water, gently press for 10 minutes with sterile gauze to stop bleeding.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- The skin is flaky and may need stitches
- The ears are very swollen
- The ear feels very painful
- Pointed objects enter the ear canal (such as pencils, sticks, straws, or wires) that cause pain
- More than 4 drops of blood come out of the ear canal
- Staggering (unbalanced)
- Hearing decreases on the side of the injured ear
- Prevention
To avoid ear trauma, remember the following steps:
- Use an ear protector plug or ear cover to prevent hearing damage due to very loud sounds.
- Be aware of the risks to the ears in activities such as shooting, using a saw, riding a motorcycle, and other vehicles.
- Don't listen to music too loud for long periods of time
