Ear Bleeding: Causes and Treatment
If your ear is bleeding, it could be from something, from something stuck inside to a torn eardrum. You may have bleeding from the outer, middle, or inner part of your ear. It is a symptom of many injuries and conditions.
Depending on the cause, you may also have other symptoms such as earache, fever, hearing loss, facial paralysis, dizziness, or ringing in the ear. A ruptured or perforated eardrum means there is a tear or defect in the delicate eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane. When your eardrum ruptures, you may experience hearing loss.
Causes of Ear Bleeding
There are some causes of bleeding in the ear. Some of these ear bleeding causes can be concerning. Various conditions or injuries can cause bleeding in the ear. There are specific signs in each of these, which will help the doctor identify the underlying cause.
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Get A Second OpinionBroken or Torn Eardrum
A tear or puncture in the eardrum can also cause symptoms such as:
- pain or discomfort in the ear
- hearing loss
- ringing in the ear
- a spinning sensation, known as vertigo
- nausea or vomiting caused by vertigo
Symptoms of Ear Bleeding
Ear infections are more common in children than in adults, although people of any age can be affected. In any part of the ear, such infections can happen. Middle and outer ear infections can cause bleeding from the ear beside the following signs:
Why is My Ear Bleeding?
Barotrauma
The sensation of popping ears is common as altitude changes. As a result of sudden changes in pressure and height from events such as swimming or flying, barotrauma is a more serious injury to the ear. In addition to bleeding from the ear, the following may be signs of barotrauma:
- Earache
- Pressure in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
Ear Cancer
Ear cancer is rare and can occur in any part of the ear. Most cases of ear cancer result from skin cancer in the outer ear. About 5 percent of all skin cancers occur in the ear.
However, people with chronic ear infections that persist or recur for 10 years or more are at increased risk of developing middle or inner ear cancer. If a person has middle or inner ear cancer, they may experience bleeding and the following symptoms:
- Hearing loss
- Earache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Partial facial paralysis
- Ringing in the ears
- Headache
Object in Ear
A cotton swab, toy, or anything else small can get stuck in your ear and cause injury. Children are more likely to put something in their ears. Losing or pushing an object into the ear canal can perforate the eardrum. This can lead to bleeding from the ear and other symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Pressure
- Fluid discharge from your ear
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
A Minor Injury or Cut
If you scratch your ear canal with a fingernail or use a cotton swab too hard (or insert it too much), it can cause your ear to bleed. Normally, this form of injury is not severe. To prevent infection, keep the cut clean.
Head Injury or Trauma
More serious injuries or trauma to the head can lead to bleeding in the ears. These types of injuries are often because of an accident, fall, or sports injury. Where bleeding from the ears accompanies a head injury, the person may have a concussion.
Signs of a concussion can include:
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Dazed appearance
- Forgetfulness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia
Bleeding from the ears after a head injury can result from a skull fracture, severe trauma, or other serious injuries, so a person will need immediate medical attention.
Ear Bleeding Diagnosis
When you visit your doctor for ear bleeding, they will examine your ears, neck, head, and throat, and ask about your medical history and the cause of the bleeding.
- Physical Examination A doctor will visually inspect the ear canal and eardrum to check for injuries or signs of infection.
- Medical History The doctor will ask about symptoms, recent activities (like trauma or changes in pressure), and underlying conditions.
- Otoscopy A special instrument (otoscope) is used to examine the ear canal and eardrum more closely.
- Hearing Tests If the bleeding is related to a hearing problem, a hearing test may be conducted to assess any damage to the ear.
- Imaging In some cases, X-rays or CT scans may be used to detect fractures, tumors, or more serious injuries causing bleeding.
- Lab Tests If an infection is suspected, samples may be taken to identify bacteria or other pathogens.
Ear Bleeding Treatment
Treatments for ear bleeding vary depending on the cause of the bleeding:
- Ear Infections Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics. For recurring infections, ear tubes may be recommended to drain fluid and prevent further infections.
- Ruptured Eardrum A ruptured eardrum can cause bleeding but usually heals in 8 to 10 weeks. If it doesn't heal, surgery called tympanoplasty may be needed.
- Object in the Ear If an object is stuck in the ear, try removing it with tweezers. If difficult, consult a doctor. Avoid using sharp instruments, as they can cause damage or push the object further in.
Medical Treatments for Ear Bleeding
- Antibiotics: If the bleeding is due to an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
- Ear Drops: Medicated ear bleeding drops can help manage infections or reduce inflammation causing bleeding.
- Surgical Repair: In cases of a ruptured eardrum or severe injury, surgical intervention may be needed to repair the damage.
- Cauterization: If there is a small wound or blood vessel, cauterization may be used to stop the bleeding.
- Steroids: Inflammation or swelling may be treated with steroid medications to reduce bleeding and promote healing.
- Cleaning and Drainage: If earwax or debris is causing blockage, a doctor may clean the ear to prevent further bleeding and infection.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Ear bleeding often requires medical attention, especially if caused by a head injury. If you experience ear bleeding, contact a doctor or emergency clinic immediately. While ear infections may cause bleeding, they are generally less serious. Bleeding after an accident or blow to the head could indicate a life-threatening injury. Go to the emergency department right away if you also have:
- Dizziness
- Bleeding from the nose
- Vomiting
- Vision problems
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Hearing loss
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Book an AppointmentRisks of Ear Bleeding
Ear bleeding can indicate serious issues like:
- Ear Infection: Can lead to spreading and worsening if untreated.
- Trauma: Injury to the ear may cause bleeding and hearing loss.
- Ear Drum Perforation: A ruptured eardrum can cause bleeding and hearing damage.
- Foreign Object: Inserting objects can cause injury and bleeding.
- Chronic Conditions: Conditions like ear tumors can lead to recurring bleeding.
- Barotrauma: Sudden pressure changes can damage the ear and cause bleeding.
Prevention and Home Remedies
- Tea tree oil ear drops are widely used but have the same limitations discussed regarding naturopathic ear drops.
- An oil containing ginger can be applied to the pinna. Proponents of this preparation urge avoiding pouring ginger oil into the ear canal.
- Warm compresses, wet a cloth with hot or lukewarm water. Place the cloth over your sore ear. The warmth from the warm compress will gently relieve pain and discomfort.
- The oil made from the flowers of the mullein plant has proven to be an effective pain reliever for ear infections.
- Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve tight muscles around the ear, allowing trapped fluid to drain.
- Acupuncture allows the release of the muscles, which allows the flow of blood and lymph to decrease inflammation, and can also help decrease infection.
