Ear Bleeding: Causes & Treatments

Ear bleeding can arise from various factors, and it's essential to recognise that you may encounter multiple causes. The complexity of this issue requires understanding the common triggers. Causes include external injuries, infections, or even ruptured eardrums. The severity of ear bleeding can range from mild to severe, with visible blood or slight discoloration of earwax. 

Perforated eardrum

A perforated eardrum, commonly caused by loud noises or sudden pressure changes, occurs when the thin membrane between the ear canal and middle ear is torn. This condition may result in ear bleeding, accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus): persistent sound in the ear.
• Ear discharge: fluid or blood draining from the ear.
• Ear pain: various types of discomfort in the ear.

Why it Matters

Understanding the causes and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. If you experience these signs, it's essential to address them promptly. Explore our various guides around ear conditions, including perforated eardrums, tolearn to identify, manage, and prevent hearing health issues. 

Ear infection

Ear infections, whether in the outer ear (otitis externa) or middle ear (otitis media), can impact hearing health. Understanding the connection between ear infections and hearing issues is vital for maintaining comprehensive hearing health. Here's what you need to know:

• Types of infections: ear infections vary, affecting different parts of the ear.
• Potential complications: if left untreated, infections may lead to a ruptured eardrum.
• Consequences: ruptured eardrums can result in ear bleeding and, in severe cases, contribute to hearing loss.

Delve deeper into the anatomy of the ear and hearing health by visiting our detailed guide. Gain insights into the structure of the ear, and discover measures to safeguard your hearing.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma, a result of rapid pressure changes, can impact ear tissues, causing discomfort or injury. This often occurs during activities like diving, flying, or driving through mountainous terrain. Protect your ears with these essential tips:

• Equalise pressure: practise the Valsalva manoeuvre by gently exhaling with your mouth closed and nostrils pinched to equalise pressure in the middle ear.
• Use earplugs: consider specialised earplugs designed for pressure regulation during activities like flying or diving.

Understanding Barotrauma

• Affected tissues: delicate ear tissues, especially in the middle ear, are vulnerable to stress during rapid pressure changes.
• Symptoms: from mild ear pain and fullness to severe cases of ear bleeding, be aware of potential symptoms.

Foreign objects in the ear canal

Accidentally inserting foreign objects into the ear canal is a common occurrence that can pose risks to ear health. This issue isn't exclusive to any age group, as both adults and children may inadvertently introduce objects into their ears. 

Be aware of the variety of items that can find their way into the ear canal, including:

• Small toys
• Beads
• Cotton swabs
• Food particles

Risks and concerns

Foreign objects lodged in the ear may cause damage to delicate ear canal tissues, leading to discomfort, pain, and, in some cases, ear bleeding. Given the sensitivity of the ear, injuries from foreign objects can be concerning.

Seek professional assistance

If you suspect a foreign object is lodged in your ear or the ear of a child, seek professional medical assistance promptly. Attempting to remove objects at home can exacerbate the issue or cause further damage.

Preventive measures

Take proactive steps to avoid this situation:

• Be mindful of small objects in the environment, especially around children.
• Educate children about the potential risks of inserting items into their ears.
• Keep small items out of reach to prevent accidental insertion.

Cancer & non-cancerous growth

The earmay occasionally develop growths categorised as either cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). While symptoms may seem similar, distinguishing between them is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Non-cancerous growth

• Typically benign, non-cancerous ear growths don't spread to other body parts.
• Examples include osteomas, exostoses, or cholesteatomas.
• Although not cancerous, they may cause discomfort and impact hearing or balance.

Common symptoms of non-cancerous growths include:

• Ear pain, pressure, or fullness
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Ear discharge

These symptoms, while disruptive, are generally treatable. Removal often resolves associated issues.

Cancerous growth

• Ear cancer is rare but possible, with malignant tumours developing in the ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear.
• Symptoms can overlap with non-cancerous growths and may include persistent ear pain, headaches, changes in hearing, dizziness, and altered vision.

Trauma and head injuries

Head injuries, often from falls or accidents, pose risks to delicate structures, including the ears. A severe consequence can be internal bleeding, impacting your overall health.

The symptoms of internal bleeding from head trauma include:

• Bleeding from the ear: visible sign of internal bleeding, appearing as blood-stained discharge, often signalling severe injury.
• Headache: persistent, severe headaches after trauma can indicate internal bleeding, possibly accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
• Nausea and vomiting: internal bleeding may cause nausea, especially if it affects balance centres in the brain.
• Changes in vision: blurred or altered vision due to the impact on the optic nerve or visual pathways.
• Loss of consciousness: severe cases may lead to loss of consciousness; immediate medical attention is crucial.

Take immediate action and get medical attention if you notice the following in yourself or anyone else:

• Call emergency services: if a head injury with signs of internal bleeding occurs, call emergency services.
• Minimise movement: reduce movement to prevent further harm.
• Do not remove objects: if objects impale the head, avoid removal; stabilise and wait for professional help.
• Provide comfort: keep the person calm whilst you wait for medical assistance.

Prompt and specialised medical attention is crucial for head injuries, especially those that cause ear bleeding. Seeking immediate care can significantly impact the outcome and recovery process.

 

While ear bleeding may not always lead to immediate complications, it's important to recognise the potential long-term effects that could impact your overall health.

• Lasting hearing loss: prolonged or severe ear bleeding can contribute to lasting hearing impairment by damaging the delicate structures in the ear, affecting the transmission of sound waves.
• Persistent ringing in the ears (Tinnitus): ear trauma resulting in bleeding may lead to tinnitus, a condition marked by persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, affecting your hearing auditory experiences even after bleeding stops.
• Balance problems: damage to the inner ear structures from ear bleeding can result in balance issues, dizziness, or a feeling of unsteadiness.
• Frequent headaches: the intricate network of blood vessels and nerves in the ear connects to various parts of the head. Ear bleeding, especially if associated with trauma, may contribute to frequent headaches.
• Seeking professional evaluation: it's important to get professional medical evaluation if you experience ear bleeding, especially if complications arise. Healthcare professionals can conduct thorough examinations, assess potential damage, and provide appropriate interventions to prevent or manage complications.

 

Experiencing ear bleeding can be distressing, but you can take steps for immediate care and follow at-home guidance before seeking medical help.

Experiencing ear bleeding can be a cause for concern, and understanding when to seek medical attention is vital for your overall well-being. While some instances of ear bleeding may resolve on their own, certain situations warrant prompt consultation with a healthcare professional.

• Severe or prolonged bleeding: seek immediate medical attention if the ear bleeding is severe or lasts for an extended period. Excessive bleeding may indicate an underlying issue that needs professional evaluation.
• Changes in hearing: any noticeable changes in hearing, like sudden loss or a significant decrease in auditory acuity, warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. Changes in hearing may signal underlying problems requiring prompt intervention.
• Ear trauma or injury: if ear bleeding results from trauma, a fall, or head injury, escalate the matter to a medical professional. Trauma can cause internal damage to the delicate ear structures, necessitating timely medical assessment.
• Signs of infection: symptoms like fever, increased pain, or discharge with an unpleasant odour may indicate an infection. In such cases, seeking medical attention promptly is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or a history of ear-related issues, should consult a doctor if they experience ear bleeding. Managing underlying conditions is vital for comprehensive care.