Ear Injuries

Overview

Ear injuries may involve foreign bodies, insects, bleeding, burns, impact, blast pressure, or a suspected ruptured eardrum. The ear canal and eardrum are delicate, so avoid probing.

Foreign Body

• Do not dig with cotton buds, tweezers, fingers, or tools.
• Keep the head still and the affected ear lower if that helps a loose object fall out.
• Seek medical help if the object does not come out easily.
• Do not pour fluid into the ear if a perforated eardrum is possible.

Insects

If an insect is in the ear and there is no reason to suspect eardrum perforation, a small amount of clean oil may help float or immobilise it. If there is pain, discharge, previous ear surgery, suspected perforation, or uncertainty, seek medical care instead.

Bleeding And Blast Injury

• Place a light sterile pad over the ear.
• Do not pack the ear canal.
• Let fluid drain naturally if present.
• Protect from further injury and arrange medical assessment.

Blast, diving, impact, or sudden pressure change can rupture the eardrum. Symptoms may include pain, bleeding, ringing, dizziness, or hearing loss.