Pain and bleeding from the ear can be caused by a perforated or ruptured eardrum. Ear discharge may be clear, bloody, or look like pus. While a ruptured eardrum will typically heal on its own, precautions must be taken to protect the inner ear and the healing membrane. Follow these steps to relieve the pain and to insure proper healing.
Causes of Ruptured Eardrums
There are several conditions and events that can cause a ruptured eardrum:
- Ear infections. One of the most common causes of a ruptured eardrum, an ear infection creates a pressure buildup in the middle ear, pushing against the eardrum.
- Poking the eardrum. Use of a foreign object such as a cotton swab is another common cause of a ruptured eardrum. When the object makes contact with the sensitive eardrum, it can cause a tear or other damage.
- Pressure changes. Unequal pressure inside and outside the ear can strain the eardrum and tear it. Drastic or sudden changes in pressure are painful and can cause symptoms like ear bleeding.
- Head injury or blow to the ear. A severe blow to the head or ear can rupture the eardrum. This is one common reason for helmets to be worn during potentially dangerous activities, such as playing sports or riding a bicycle.
- Acoustic trauma. Explosions or sudden blasts of loud music are painful and dangerous. Continued exposure to loud music can cause permanent hearing loss.
Painful Ear Bleeding and Other Symptoms
In addition to bleeding from the ear and intense pain,several other symptoms may indicate a ruptured eardrum or other ear damage:
- Buzzing noise in the ear
- Partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear
- Ear infections
- Facial weakness or dizziness
- Fever
- Headache
Other symptoms that could indicate a serious or life-threatening condition include:
- Bloody discharge from the nose
- Inability to track movement with the eyes
- Irregular pupil size
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
People who have these additional symptoms should seek medical attention immediately at an emergency room.
How to Treat a Ruptured Eardrum
There is no specific treatment for a ruptured eardrum. They usually heal themselves within three months. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to ease some of the symptoms. It is important that the eardrum be kept dry while it heals to avoid a middle-ear infection.
Quick Treatment for Ear Bleeding at FastMed Urgent Care
FastMed Urgent Care can identify the cause of your ear pain and bleeding, and our medical professionals will quickly recommend remedies to relieve the pain.
We are open seven days a week and have extended weekday hours for your convenience. FastMed Urgent Care also accepts all major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid so visit our Insurance page to confirm that your specific plan is accepted.
When you are suffering from painful ear bleeding, visit your local FastMed Urgent Care clinic. Check out what some of our patients have to say: “The urgent care center was terrific! The staff delivered exactly what I needed: professional care and personal attention – and they delivered it with care and kindness. Urgent Care is on my radar as an integral part of my community and I have given several enthusiastic recommendations to friends and work associates. Thank you!”
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Sources:
Healthgrades: http://www.healthgrades.com/symptoms/bleeding-from-ear
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ruptured-eardrum-symptoms-and-treatments