Health Resources

Ear Trauma

Injury Definition

• Bruises and scratches of outer ear
• Blood clot (hematoma) 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 (e.g. caused by cotton swabs, pencils, sticks, straws, wires)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You think your child has a serious injury
• Bleeding that 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 (e.g. a pencil, stick, or wire)
• Clear fluid is draining from the ear canal
• Walking is unsteady
• Severe pain
• Age < 1 year old

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

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Injury caused an earache that persists
• Hearing is decreased on injured side

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home

• Mild ear injury and you don’t think your child needs to be seen

Home Care Advice for Mild Cuts, Scrapes, or Swelling

1. Bleeding: Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
2. Cleansing: Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
3. Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment to any cuts or scrapes. Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid. Change daily.
4. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
5. Expected Course: Minor ear injuries heal quickly, usually in 2 or 3 days.
6. Call Your Doctor If
   • Pain becomes severe
   • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms

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