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Suggest Treatment For Injury To Ear Canal
Question: I was sitting on my bed cleaning my ear and my Chihuahua jumped on the bed and the Q-Tip went in too far. Several drops of blood have come out of my ear. Not a lot. Just drops. Should I go to an emergency room now or just see an ENT doctor in the morning? Thank you
Brief Answer:
If you can hear normally, get the ear examined tomorrow.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The few drops of blood mean that there has been an injury to the ear canal. This is common with a Q-tip. The external ear canal is very delicate and easily traumatized by even gentle movement. In your case, due the sudden startle response, the abrasion or laceration is bound to be a little more.
2. The damage is already done. If you can hear normally, you may visit an ENT Specialist in the morning. An OTC painkiller can be taken (after meals) if you need.
3. If your hearing is muffled, a visit to the ER is recommended. The eardrum can be examined and any clot can be observed. Hearing tests (Audiometry) can be done later.
4. It is important to note that most traumatic ear drum perforations heal on their own in a few weeks as long as infection is kept at bay.
5. Avoid any ear drops at present.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
If you can hear normally, get the ear examined tomorrow.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The few drops of blood mean that there has been an injury to the ear canal. This is common with a Q-tip. The external ear canal is very delicate and easily traumatized by even gentle movement. In your case, due the sudden startle response, the abrasion or laceration is bound to be a little more.
2. The damage is already done. If you can hear normally, you may visit an ENT Specialist in the morning. An OTC painkiller can be taken (after meals) if you need.
3. If your hearing is muffled, a visit to the ER is recommended. The eardrum can be examined and any clot can be observed. Hearing tests (Audiometry) can be done later.
4. It is important to note that most traumatic ear drum perforations heal on their own in a few weeks as long as infection is kept at bay.
5. Avoid any ear drops at present.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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