Ear Trauma: Perforations and Other Ear Injury
Injury and ear trauma can occur from a multitude of circumstances, even using a Q-tip the wrong way can cause a perforation in your ear. ( Did you know it is recommended by ENT professionals not to use them at all? ), a hit to the ear at a Pembroke Pines little league game, a fall from a horse in Davie, or even a simple ear infection can cause ear trauma that should be treated by an ENT doctor.
A common ear injury comes from a perforation in the eardrum itself. Believe it or not, a middle ear infection (otitis media) is the most common non-injury cause of eardrum perforation. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden ear pain
- Bleeding from the ear
- Hearing loss
- Noise in one or both ears
These trauma injury symptoms should not be ignored or brushed to the side. If untreated in a timely manner, surgery may be required and there is also the risk of permanent damage. With proper care and follow up with Dr. Contrucci at our Pembroke Pines ENT office to ensure restored ear health, the damaged eardrum can heal on its own.
A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media is the most common non-injury cause of eardrum perforation trauma. This perforation may similarly occur by a sudden change in pressure for example:
- An increase in pressure, such as that caused by an explosion, an open-handed slap, or diving underwater
- A decrease in pressure, such as occurs while flying in an airplane or when strong suction is applied to the ear canal
Although these two points clearly relate to pressure, a severe head injury may also cause a perforation, specifically if the base of the skull near the ear is fractured. There are many athletes, motorcyclists, bikers, and horsemen and women in Davie and Pembroke Pines, so please always be certain to protect your head with the proper helmet.
If you experience ear trauma or any of the injuries listed above, please contact our office immediately. Call Light ENT at 561-737-8584 to schedule an appointment with our Board Certified ENT doctor.
Leave a Reply