First Aid For Ear Injury

Injury and/or pain in the ear, no matter what the cause, require medical attention. An ear problem may be from the inner, middle or outer ear. The eardrum can rupture from a direct blow, infection, loud noise or deep dive. Dirt and bacteria from the outer canal can travel into the inner ear, causing an infection. Drainage from the ear can also be a sign of a head injury. Ear conditions can affect hearing, balance and cause dizziness.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain, earache
- Headache
- Jaw pain or tooth pain
- Swelling, drainage
- Hearing problems
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance

Tips:
- Do not attempt to remove any object from the ear canal unless you can see it clearly.
- Do not block any drainage coming from the ear.
- Do not attempt to clean drainage within the ear canal.
- Do not move the victim if you suspect neck or spine injury.
- Do not assume an amputated ear piece cannot be reattached.
- Do not let a victim put anything in the ear, including a finger, to get something out.

Injury To The Outer Ear
- If you suspect Head Trauma call for medical help.
- If Bleeding, apply direct pressure.
- If a portion has been amputated, follow steps for treating Amputation.
- Apply cool compress to decrease swelling.
- Get medical attention.

Foreign Body In Ear
- Stay calm and reassure the victim.
- Look inside ear with a flashlight.
- If you can see the foreign body:
- If victim is cooperative, use tweezers to remove the item
- If unsuccessful, tilt head with affected ear facing down.
- If you can't see the foreign body:
- Do not try to remove it.
- Tilt head with affected ear facing down.
- If you suspect the object is an insect:
- Avoid head movement.
- An insect will crawl up so tilt the affected ear up instead.
- Get medical attention.

Ruptured Eardrum / Ear Drainage
- If you suspect Head Trauma as the cause get medical help.
- Cover outside ear with loose, dry sterile dressing.
- Have the victim lie on side with affected ear facing down if there's no sign of head or neck injury.
- Get medical attention.