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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).