Ear Injury

Description

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)

Call Your Doctor Now 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 < 1 year old

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours 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 Hours If:

You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

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 or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Children's provides health care for the special needs of children regardless of race, sex, creed, ethnicity or disability.
Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided
to children under age 21 whose primary residence is Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.