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 FOR EAR INJURY

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 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.
  
• Injury caused an earache 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

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

2.  Cleansing:  Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.

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

4.  Pain Medicine:  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.

5.  Expected Course:  Minor ear injuries heal quickly, usually in 2 or 3 days.

6.  Call Your Doctor If:

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