EAR INJURY
Injury Definition
- 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
Call your doctor now (night or day) 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 upper 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 less than 1 year old
Call your doctor within 24 hours (between 9am and 4pm) 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 office hours if:
- You have other questions or concerns.
Parent care at home if:
- Mild ear injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD EAR INJURIES
- 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
And remember, contact your doctor if your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
REFERENCES
- Holmes RE. Management of traumatic auricular injuries in children. Pediatr Ann. 1999; 28(6):391-395.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.