Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments.
Middle or Outer Ear Infection
Infections in the ear, whether in the outer or middle ear, can lead to fluid discharge, including some blood. Symptoms often include pain, fever, and fluid discharge. Treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial infections and pain relievers. It’s essential to keep the ear clean and dry.
Head Trauma or Falling
Whether it be a direct blow to the head, a car accident, or a fall where you hit your ear or skull, ear bleeding is a serious condition from these causes. Other symptoms might include a severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness or confusion.
This serious condition requires immediate medical attention to rule out complications like a skull fracture or brain injury.
Torn or Ruptured Eardrum
A bleeding eardrum is a sign of a torn or ruptured eardrum, which can be caused by infections, loud noises, or sudden pressure changes. The bleeding eardrum might also present with a sharp pain in the ear that comes and goes. Treatment usually involves keeping the ear dry and using prescribed antibiotic ear drops if an infection occurs. Avoid inserting anything into the ear and follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure proper healing.
Foreign Object
Inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear can scratch the delicate skin of your ear canal or even rupture the eardrum, leading to bleeding. See a medical provider if you need something removed from the ear. Otherwise, a scratch from something like a cotton swab will heal on its own. The best thing to do is never insert anything into your ear canal.
Barotrauma
Barotrauma refers to damage to the ear caused by not equalizing pressure changes within the middle ear space. As the tissues in the middle ear swell up due to increased pressure, this pressure pushes the eardrum inward. This can cause the eardrum to bleed or even make it tear. It typically happens when flying or scuba diving.
Symptoms include pain, decreased hearing, ear bleeding, a sensation of water in the ear (from fluid or blood), tinnitus, and vertigo. Mild barotrauma often goes away on its own, but treatment can include using decongestants and nasal sprays to alleviate pressure. However, severe cases might require surgery, and visiting a healthcare provider, like the ones at American Family Care, can help you get answers.
Other Infections
Besides ear infections, other infections like sinus infections or cellulitis around the ear can cause bleeding from the ear. Treatment depends on the type of infection and might include antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Other Symptoms To Watch For
When experiencing blood coming from your ear, it’s crucial to be aware of other symptoms that could mean a more serious issue. Be conscious of symptoms such as dizziness, severe pain, hearing loss, or discharge of clear fluid, which could suggest a more severe trauma or infection. Fever combined with ear bleeding could indicate an infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
When To Visit a Healthcare Provider
You should always take blood coming from the ear seriously because, as you can see, there are several different ear bleeding causes. If your bleeding doesn’t stop or is heavy; if you’re experiencing symptoms of dizziness, persistent pain, headaches, fever, fatigue, or hearing loss; or if something might be stuck in your ear, visit a medical provider as soon as possible.
If the bleeding is due to head trauma, visit an emergency room, as it could be a sign of internal injuries that require additional testing, such as CT scans.
Remember, inserting objects like Q-tips into your ears can often lead to preventable injuries. If you’re scuba diving, make sure you’re properly trained to avoid complications such as barotrauma.
Visit Your Local AFC
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, visit AFC in Vernon CT. We have extended hours so that you can come in for help after work or on the weekends. No appointment? No problem. We accept walk-ins, so we can help you find some relief from your ear issues. Our providers are ready to help you get back to feeling your best.
