Ear injuries can cause damage to any part of your outer, middle or inner ear. Accidents, loud noises, changes in air pressure, trauma from contact sports and foreign objects in the ear can cause injuries. Ear injuries can lead to dizziness, balance issues, hearing loss or changes in your ear’s appearance. Some ear injuries need surgical repair.
Injuries can happen to any part of your ear, including your inner ear, middle ear and outer ear (the part of the ear you see and the ear canal).
Trauma (like a blow to the head) can cause damage in your middle ear (the space behind your eardrum) and inner ear (the series of canals and tissues on the inside of your head). An ear injury can result from loud noises, changes in air pressure (barotrauma) or foreign objects in the ear.
Injuries can happen to the outer ear or any part of your middle and inner ear. This can include damage to your ear canal, eardrum, cartilage and the skin around your ear.
The most common types of outer ear injuries include:
Middle and inner ear trauma can cause severe damage and can affect hearing. The most common injuries to the inside of your ear include:
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If you have a damaged ear, you might develop:
These injuries can cause ear bleeding, ear pain, balance issues and hearing loss. A severe ear injury can be life-threatening.
There are several causes of ear injury and trauma, including:
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In severe cases, ear and head trauma can lead to serious complications, including:
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may use an otoscope (a special instrument with a light) or a microscope to look inside your ear. An otoscope allows your provider to check for foreign objects, infections or damage to your eardrum.
Depending on the type of injury, you may need an imaging study, like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), so your provider can see pictures of your inner ear. Your provider may also order a hearing test to check for hearing loss.
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Treatment varies depending on the location, severity and cause of the injury. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Other treatments may include:
You may not be able to prevent all types of ear injuries. To lower your risk of ear trauma and hearing loss, you should care for your ears properly:
The outlook varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Many ruptured eardrums and minor ear injuries heal without treatment. But other injuries, like deep cuts or fractured bones in your inner ear, require surgery.
See your provider right away if you or your child has a bleeding ear after a head injury. This is a serious symptom that could be a sign of bleeding around the brain.
You should also watch for:
Even if the head injury seemed minor, you should get medical help. Call your provider, dial 911 or go to the emergency room.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Ear injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. If you or your child has severe ear pain, bleeding ears, dizziness or hearing loss, get help right away. These are signs of a serious medical condition, especially after a blow to the head, fall or other accident. To prevent an ear injury, never put anything in your ears. Wear protective headgear during contact sports. Avoid listening to music at high volumes, and wear ear protection if you’re exposed to loud noises.
Last reviewed on 08/22/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy