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External ear trauma image - Coggle Diagram
External ear trauma image
Definition
Ear injuries and trauma can cause damage to any part of the outer or inner ear
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.
Pathophysiology
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.
Many different types of accidents can damage your ear canal, eardrum, cartilage and skin around your ear
These injuries can cause ear bleeding, ear pain, balance problems and hearing loss. A severe ear injury can be life-threatening
Symptoms
Ear pain (earache), which can be severe.
Dizziness and balance problems
Headache
Pus or bleeding from the ear.
Hearing loss
Causes
Foreign objects: Inserting a pen or another object into your ear canal can damage the bones, cartilage and tissue.
Loud noises: Eardrums can also tear due to loud noises, such as gunshots, explosions and loud music concerts. Long-term exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss
Changes in pressure: Scuba diving and flying on an airplane can lead to a perforated (ruptured) eardrum.
Accidents and injuries: Trauma from a fall, car accident or contact sports can cause serious ear injuries.
Nurses intervention
Correctly instill eardrops
Teach patients using hearing aids how to use and care for them properly.
Apply principles of infection control when examining an ear with drainage.
Teach patients and family members about what to expect during tests, procedures, and follow-up to manage ear and hearing problems.
Implement precautions to prevent falls in patients experiencing vertigo or dizziness.
Compare the clinical manifestations and interventions for external otitis with those of otitis media.
References
Lalwani AK. Temporal bone trauma. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. McGraw Hill; 2020.
https://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com
. Accessed Oct. 3, 2021.
Sagiv D, et al. Traumatic perforation of the tympanic membrane: A review of 80 cases. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.09.018.
Elsevier Point of Care. Chronic suppurative otitis media.
https://www.clinicalkey.com
. Accessed Oct. 3, 2021.