A small amount of blood from the ear can be a concerning symptom. While any blood can be alarming, ear bleeding signals a range of underlying conditions, from minor irritations to more serious health concerns. Understanding the potential causes is important for determining the appropriate course of action.
Common Causes of Minor Ear Bleeding
Minor bleeding from the ear often stems from common, less severe issues, many involving physical trauma. Over-cleaning the ear canal or improper use of cotton swabs can cause small cuts or abrasions on the skin lining, leading to minor bleeding. Cotton swabs are associated with over 10,000 ear injuries annually in the United States, with many leading to eardrum perforations.
Accidental scratches from fingernails or other objects inserted into the ear can also result in superficial skin wounds. Bleeding from these types of injuries is typically minimal and resolves quickly. Dry skin or conditions like eczema within the ear canal can cause irritation, cracking, and bleeding.
Ear infections are another common source. Otitis externa, known as “swimmer’s ear,” is an outer ear canal infection causing inflammation, redness, and discharge. This irritation can sometimes lead to minor bleeding. Middle ear infections (otitis media) involve fluid or pus buildup behind the eardrum. Pressure from this buildup can sometimes rupture the eardrum, resulting in blood-tinged fluid draining from the ear.
More Serious Underlying Conditions
While a small amount of ear bleeding may indicate a minor issue, it can also signal more serious underlying conditions requiring prompt medical attention. A perforated eardrum, a tear or hole in the thin membrane separating the outer and middle ear, can cause bleeding. Perforations can occur due to loud noises, sudden changes in air pressure (barotrauma from flying or diving), or direct trauma. Along with bleeding, symptoms may include ear pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or vertigo.
A foreign object lodged in the ear canal can also cause trauma and bleeding, particularly if removal is attempted improperly or if the object is sharp. This is common in children who insert small items. Any object in the ear can irritate or injure delicate tissues, leading to pain and potential bleeding.
Ear bleeding following a head injury is a serious symptom that necessitates immediate medical evaluation. Even a minor amount of blood in this context could indicate internal bleeding, a brain injury, or a skull fracture. A temporal bone fracture, a skull fracture involving the ear, can manifest with ear bleeding, hearing loss, or facial paralysis. Blood may come from the middle ear due to a ruptured eardrum or a fracture line in the ear canal.
Though rare, tumors or growths in the ear can also cause bleeding. Ear cancer symptoms include bleeding, pain, discharge, or hearing loss. These cases typically present with additional symptoms that prompt medical investigation.
Immediate Steps and First Aid
If you notice blood from your ear, never insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton swabs. Inserting objects can push them further in, cause more damage, or introduce infection. The ear canal is naturally self-cleaning, and foreign objects or vigorous cleaning can disrupt this process.
Gently clean around the outer ear with a clean cloth or tissue to dab away any visible blood or discharge. If the bleeding is from a superficial cut on the outer ear, apply gentle, direct pressure with a clean cloth for several minutes to help stop it. Avoid applying pressure directly into the ear canal.
Observe any other symptoms that accompany the bleeding, such as pain, dizziness, changes in hearing, or any other discharge from the ear. This information will be helpful for a healthcare professional.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention for ear bleeding is generally recommended, as some causes can be serious and require professional diagnosis and treatment. Consult a doctor if the bleeding is persistent, heavy, or does not stop quickly. Any ear bleeding after a head injury, fall, or accident warrants immediate emergency medical evaluation, as it could indicate a skull fracture or internal bleeding.
Additional symptoms that prompt a medical visit include severe or increasing pain, dizziness, sudden hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), fever, or any discharge from the ear. If you suspect a foreign object is lodged in the ear, a healthcare professional should remove it to prevent further injury.
Ear bleeding in children always warrants a medical evaluation, as children are prone to ear infections and inserting foreign objects. Even if the cause seems minor, such as a scratch, consulting a doctor is advisable to rule out more significant issues and ensure proper healing. If you are uncertain about the cause or are concerned, contact a healthcare provider.