Injury Definition

Injuries to the outer ear, ear canal or eardrum.

Types of ear injuries include the following:

• 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 less than 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.

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright © 2000. Barton D. Schmitt, MD, FAAP