Several different conditions can cause your ears to bleed. Some are relatively minor issues, while others are more serious medical conditions. Let’s examine three common causes of ear bleeding as well as home treatment options and when to see a doctor.
Skin Injury To The Ear
This is a fairly common issue and almost always only causes minor bleeding. You can experience this kind of injury from a superficial cut, an ear pimple or from scratching at scabs on or within the ear. This type of injury can likely be monitored at home without any medical treatment. However, it’s important to see a doctor if you believe the area has become infected.
Objects Stuck in Your Ear
Getting a foreign object stuck in your ear can also cause bleeding. This is more likely to happen to children who put a small toy or pebble in their ears while playing. However, it can happen with adults who wear hearing aids or earbuds that break in the ear. You should always have a qualified medical professional remove any object from your ear to make sure it’s completely removed and to prevent further damage.
Ruptured Eardrum
A ruptured or perforated eardrum is when there is a tear in the membrane that separates the middle ear and ear canal. Causes of a ruptured eardrum include, but are not limited to:
- Ear infection
- Ear trauma
- Sudden changes in pressure in your ear
- An object or substance stuck in your ear canal
- Extremely loud noises
A ruptured eardrum can put you at a higher risk for chronic ear infections and, in turn, may increase your risk of developing hearing loss. One study of 529 patients with chronic ear infections found that 52.6% experienced some degree of permanent hearing loss.
In addition to bleeding, signs of a ruptured eardrum include:
- Pus or mucus-like drainage from the ear
- Ear pain that subsides after a pop
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Hearing loss
Make an appointment with your primary care provider or an ENT specialist for symptoms of a ruptured eardrum. In the case of smaller ruptures, your eardrum may heal on its own. Other times, your doctor may place a patch and medication over the eardrum while it heals, while some cases may even require surgery.
If the area is infected, your provider may recommend antibiotic ear drops, which can be filled at Ray’s Pharmacy or other local drugstores.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call Red River ENT Associates today.
