How to Treat Middle Ear Lacerations
The middle ear extends from the outer opening of the ear to the eardrum. Lacerations to the middle ear normally occur when a foreign object is inserted inside the ear. A blast may also result in perforations of the middle ear. Damage to the middle ear may result in temporary or permanent hearing loss depending on how severe the injury is. A doctor should be consulted on how to treat lacerations or wounds to the middle ear.
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Instructions
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See a doctor immediately after your middle ear has been injured. Your doctor will examine the injured ear with an otoscope, which allows him to look deep inside the ear canal.
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Your doctor will clean the ear with antiseptic cleaner and antibiotic ointment to avoid infection. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to treat the middle ear laceration at home.
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Take oral antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them. Antibiotics treat ear infections or prevent infections from forming. Apply antibiotic ointment daily as your doctor instructs.
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Insert a cotton ball into the outer ear. The cotton ball keeps the ear canal clean and free from dust or water that may enter the ear and cause an infection.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid blowing your nose as the ear heals--this builds pressure inside the ear. Place a cotton ball inside the ear when showering. Sleep on your side with the injured ear facing down to allow drainage to seep out of the ear. Talk to your doctor about any hearing loss after a middle ear laceration.
