Ear bleeding: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor

Ear bleeding: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor

Ear bleeding is any sign of blood in your ear, or coming from your ear. It’s a symptom of many injuries and conditions. Most of the time, healthcare providers can treat ear infections and other medical conditions that cause ear bleeding.

Causes of ear bleeding

Some of the most common causes of ear bleeding include:

• Ear infection
• Foreign object in the ear
• Ruptured eardrum
• Head injury
• Skull fracture
• Ear canal injury
• Ear tumor
• Blood clotting disorder
• High blood pressure
• Certain medications

Treatment for ear bleeding

The treatment for ear bleeding will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if you have an ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If you have a foreign object in your ear, your doctor will remove it. And if you have a ruptured eardrum, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair it.

In some cases, ear bleeding may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a skull fracture or brain tumor. If your doctor suspects that you have a serious condition, they will order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.

When to see a doctor for ear bleeding

You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Ear bleeding that is heavy or does not stop after 10 minutes
• Ear bleeding accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or vision changes
• Ear bleeding accompanied by hearing loss
• Ear bleeding after a head injury
• Ear bleeding from a chronic condition, such as an ear tumor or blood clotting disorder

How to prevent ear bleeding

There are a few things you can do to prevent ear bleeding, such as:

• Avoid putting cotton swabs or other objects in your ears
• Clean your ears gently with a washcloth and warm water
• Protect your head from injury by wearing a helmet when playing sports or engaging in other activities that carry a risk of head injury
• Treat ear infections promptly

If you have any concerns about ear bleeding, be sure to talk to your doctor.