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Ear emergencies

Definition:

Ear emergencies include objects stuck in the ear and ruptured eardrums.

See also acoustic trauma.



Considerations:

Children often stick objects into their ears. These objects can be difficult to remove because the ear canal is a tube of solid bone that is lined with thin, sensitive skin. Any object pressing against the skin can be very painful. In many cases, a doctor will need to use special instruments to examine the ear and safely remove the object.



Causes:

Pain, hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ear, and ruptured eardrums can be caused by:

  • Inserting cotton swabs, toothpicks, pins, pens, or other objects into the ear.
  • Sudden changes in pressure, as from an explosion, blow to the head, flying, scuba diving, falling while water skiing, or being slapped on the head or ear.
  • Loud percussions, such as a gun going off.


Review Date: 8/26/2003
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/23/2002).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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