Bleeding from the ear: Causes and treatments

Everyone worry at the sight of blood and especially from the ear. Some people assume that ear bleeding is fatal as this is one of the first symptoms in the case of a traumatic brain injury. But not all ear bleeds are dangerous and some may be caused due to an ear infection or even air pressure changes. Whatever the cause may be, it is always best to consult an ENT doctor as ear bleeding. if unattended, can result in hearing loss.

Ear Bleeding - Causes

The causes of ear bleeding could be

• Surface skin injuries in the ear - caused by a skin tear on the ear lobe while cleaning the ear.
• Presence of a foreign object in the ear - like bead, button, insects or even paper.
• Presence of polyps- these are benign tumours that bleed.
• Changes in air pressure or barotrauma - caused while travelling in airplanes
• Ear infection - caused by chronic bacterial infection of the ear canal or blisters formed in the ear drum due to severe middle ear infection.
• Ear canal injury - caused by the insertion of cottons swabs forcefully or an instrument to clean the ear.
• Ear drum injury - caused by middle ear infection or increased pressure behind the ear due to brain injury.
• Traumatic brain injury - caused by skull bone fracture with damage to the ear canal.
• Abnormal blood vessels due to genetic disorder.
• Ear cancer - bleeding ulcers developed by ear cancer.

Other rare ear bleeding causes

• Concussion
A concussion is a head injury caused by a severe jolt or bump on the head. The concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is not fatal but may have long term effects. One of the symptoms of severe concussion is ear bleeding.
• Swimmer's ear
Otitis media is a middle ear infection caused by swimming. this Swimmer's ear infection may result in ear bleeding.

Accompanied symptoms with ear bleeding

Ear bleeding is often accompanied by

• Fever
• Headache
• Buzzing or ringing sound in the ear
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Pain
• Partial or complete hearing loss.

If you experience any of the above symptoms along with ear bleeding, rush to an ENT doctor immediately.

Ear bleeding treatment

Ear bleeding treatment includes

• Anti-inflammatory and pain medication- Avoid taking "over-the-counter" medication for ear bleeding and pain as some medications may increase the bleeding. always consult an ENT doctor for medication.
• Antibiotics for ear infection prescribed by an ENT doctor
• ENT treatment - to remove ear wax buildup or foreign bodies or treat a ruptured ear canal or ear drum.
• Hospitalization for observation for cancer or brain injuries
• Ear surgery- this is in the most severe cases if there is a ruptured ear drum.

How to protect your ear from ear bleeding?

• Do not clean your ears vigorously using cotton swabs
• Do not put sharp objects into your ear like pins, pencils etc.
• Watch children while playing as they may put beads or buttons into their ear.
• If you had a head injury while playing, be watchful.
• After a fall, rest and watch for ear bleeding.
• Protect your ears with ear plugs while swimming.
• Place ear plugs in your ear while flying.
• Protect the ear form cold air.
• Protect your ears from dust and debris.

First aid and precaution for ear bleeding

• Use a warm compress near the ear to relieve pain
• Avoid blowing your noise vigorously if your ear bleeds
• Avoid taking "over-the-counter" medication like ibuprofen..

Ear bleeding is alarming. Attend to it immediately by consulting the right ENT doctor for your hearing care.