Ear emergencies
Definition
Ear emergencies include objects in the ear canal and ruptured eardrums. See also: Acoustic trauma
Overview & 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.
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