“If this blog helped you out, don’t keep it to yourself—share the link on your socials!” 👍 “Like what you read? Spread the love and share this blog on your social media.” 👍 “Found this useful? Hit share and let your friends know too!” 👍 “If you enjoyed this post, please share the URL with your friends online.” 👍 “Sharing is caring—drop this link on your social media if it helped you.”

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

What to do if someone suffers an ear injury (object or trauma)?


An ear injury can result from a foreign object, direct trauma, or blast/barotrauma. The priority is to prevent further damage, preserve hearing, and get medical help when needed.

1. General first steps for any ear injury

  • Stay calm and reassure the person.

  • Do not probe the ear canal with cotton swabs, fingers, or tools — this can push objects deeper or worsen injury.

  • If there is bleeding or fluid leakage (clear fluid may suggest serious head injury), seek emergency care immediately.

2. Foreign object in the ear

  • If visible and easily removable (e.g., large insect, piece of cotton at the entrance), gently tilt the head and let gravity help.

  • For insects: tilt the affected ear upward and gently pour in warm (not hot) mineral oil, baby oil, or water to float the insect out.

  • Do NOT attempt to remove deep objects with tweezers, cotton buds, or sharp tools.

  • Seek professional medical removal if the object is lodged, sharp, or causing pain.

3. Trauma to the outer ear (pinna)

  • If cut or torn: control bleeding with gentle pressure using a clean cloth or sterile gauze.

  • If partially severed: preserve the tissue by wrapping in clean, moist gauze and transport with the patient.

  • Clean superficial wounds gently with water; avoid strong antiseptics inside the ear canal.

4. Trauma to the inner/middle ear (eardrum or deep injury)

Warning signs: sudden hearing loss, severe pain, bleeding from the ear, dizziness, ringing (tinnitus), or clear fluid leakage.

  • Do not insert anything into the ear.

  • Loosely cover the ear with a sterile dressing to protect from infection.

  • Keep the head elevated and seek emergency medical help immediately.

5. Blast or barotrauma (sudden pressure changes, e.g., explosion, diving, air travel)

  • May cause eardrum rupture.

  • Symptoms: ear pain, sudden hearing loss, popping sound, dizziness, ringing.

  • Do not attempt to equalize pressure by forceful blowing.

  • Keep the ear dry and seek urgent medical evaluation.

6. While waiting for help

  • Keep the person sitting upright if possible to reduce pressure.

  • If in pain, over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen) can be given if safe for them.

  • Do not allow water or drops into the ear unless instructed by a doctor.

7. Do NOT

  • Do not try to remove objects blindly.

  • Do not apply ointments, antiseptics, or oils unless specifically for insect removal.

  • Do not ignore clear fluid drainage (possible cerebrospinal fluid leak from skull fracture).



on

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)