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Ear - 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 under 1 year old

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

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

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

No tetanus shot in over 5 years for DIRTY cuts (over 10 years for CLEAN cuts)
You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

Minor ear injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR 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 such as Polysporin (no prescription needed) 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 develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 8/1/2010
Last Revised: 9/14/2010
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Copyright 1994-2011 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.