March 25, 2022 Ear injuries are common and can affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. The ear is the most affected sensory organ in head trauma; Men between the ages of 21 and 30 are the group most frequently affected; In the pediatric population, ear injuries are also common, mainly in children under 6 years of age and with a higher incidence of complications. The most common causes of ear injuries are: Road accidents; Practice of extreme sports; Exposure to intense sounds; Domestic (such as the use of cotton swabs) or occupational accidents; Violence; Barotrauma triggered by air travel or diving. What consequences can an ear trauma have? The temporal bone, which is part of the ear, is the most complex in the human body. Inside it are located or pass vital structures , for example: The internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein, which are large blood vessels responsible for the irrigation of the central nervous system; The cochlear organ, which is involved in hearing; The vestibular organ, which is involved in balance; The facial nerve, which is responsible for facial mimicry. Thus, ear trauma can result in simple and easily treated injuries , such as an ear hematoma or a small hemorrhage, or in more serious injuries such as meningitis, hearing loss, cerebrospinal fluid fistula or facial paralysis. When to see an otolaryngologist Medical care from an otolaryngologist should be sought when the following symptoms are experienced after ear trauma or suspected ear trauma: Hearing loss; Bleeding from the ear; Cerebrospinal fluid fistula, that is, loss of cerebrospinal fluid through the ear or nose; Dizziness or vertigo; Headache; Visions disorders; Facial paralysis. Without a proper therapy, these symptoms and complications of an ear trauma can result in long-term functional sequelae . In some cases, especially when hearing loss, cerebrospinal fluid fistula or facial paralysis are present, the adequate treatment may require surgical intervention. This article was written by the Hospital da Luz Lisboa otorhinolaryngology team. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
