Bleeding from the ear

 

What is bleeding from the ear?

Bleeding from the ear is usually a sign that the eardrum has been broken, but can be a sign of a
head injury (see Unit 18).

What can cause bleeding from the ear?

  1. A foreign object (eg. a peanut) being pushed into the ear
  2. A blow to the head (i.e. something hits/knocks the head)
  3. an explosion.

How can you tell that someone is bleeding from the ear?

He or she may have:

  1. Blood or other fluid coming out of the ear
  2. A sharp pain
  3. Earache (sore ear/s)
  4. Deafness (cannot hear)
  5. Dizziness (feeling giddy – like you want to fall over).

NOTE: If the blood is watery, there may be a skull fracture, and fluid is leaking from around the brain. See Unit 18.

Your actions:

  1. As always, assess D R A B, respond as needed, and treat any more urgent injuries
  2. Help the casualty into a half-sitting position.
  3. If there is no neck or spinal injury, the casualty should keep the head tilted to the injured side to allow the blood to drain out of the ear.

Your aims:
• Try to get medical help.

Remember your gloves!

  1. Hold a sterile dressing or clean pad (not fluffy) against the ear. Do not press.
  2. Try to get medical help
  3. Remember to keep checking the casualty’s vital signs and writing down (or remembering)
  4. What you found and what you did, so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you