Ear emergencies
Alternative names:
foreign body lodged
in the ear canal
Definition:
Injury to the
outer or inner ear; or an object in the ear.
Considerations:
Any problem with
the middle or inner ear requires medical attention. Special
instruments are needed to examine the ear thoroughly. Lack
of treatment can lead to loss
of hearing.
The workings of the inner ear are closely connected to the
brain. That's one important reason to apply a sterile dressing
over an injured ear until you get medical help.
Causes:
- The most common
cause of a perforated eardrum is trauma such as the deliberate
or accidental insertion of sharp objects like cotton swabs,
bobby pins, or toothpicks.
- Sudden, excessive
changes in pressure such as an explosion, a blow to the
head, flying, or diving can injure the ear.
- The injury
may also result from middle
ear infection (otitis).
- Types of objects
that get lodged in the ear include inserted objects, insects,
or airborne objects.
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