What are ear injuries and ear trauma?

What are ear injuries and ear trauma?

Injuries can happen to any part of the ear, including the inner ear, middle ear and external ear, which is the part of the ear you see and the ear canal. Trauma (such as a blow to the head) can cause damage in the 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 or foreign objects in the ear.

Many different types of accidents can damage your ear canal, eardrum, cartilage and skin around your ear. The ear canal is a passageway of bone, skin and cartilage that leads from the exterior ear to the middle ear, where your eardrum sits. The eardrum is a thin membrane that protects your ear from bacteria and conducts sound.

These injuries can cause ear bleeding, ear pain, balance problems and hearing loss. A severe ear injury can be life-threatening. If you had a head injury and you have blood coming from your ear, seek medical help right away.