trauma to external ear
definition
refers to injury of the external ear
signs and symptoms
ringing in your ear
spinning sensation(vertigo)
hearing loss
nausea or vomiting that can result from vertigo
mucuslike,pus-filled or bloody drainage from ear
ear pain that may subside quickly
pathophysiology
can cause hearing loss and balance problems
damage to key part of the ear like eardrum
falls,blow to the head,sports,injuries can hurt the ear
causes
scrapes
burns
cuts
frostbite
treatment
diagnostic tests
physical examination
audiometry evaluation
otoscopy
surgical interventions
surgical drain if blood blocked flow to the cartilage
irrigation
minimal debridement to cover any exposed cartilage
restrict blowing of the nose unnecessarily
patching to encourage the membrane to grow together
analgesic to ease pain
antibiotics to prevent development of new infections
health education
if planning to have your ears pierced, be sure it done by professional
always wear a snug-fitting helmet on bikes and scooters
do not stick anything in the ears