Mechanical ear trauma

Mechanical ear trauma is the most common type of ear damage. The nature of the damage depends on the intensity of the injury. It can damage not only the outer ear, but also the middle, and even the inner ear (fracture of the base of the skull).

Symptoms, course. Contusions of the auricle are often complicated by hematoma. Stronger injuries can be accompanied by detachment and crushing of the auricle. In severe trauma, both the longitudinal (more often) and the transverse fracture of the pyramid are observed. Longitudinal fracture of the pyramid in addition to general symptoms is accompanied by rupture of the tympanic membrane, skin of the upper wall of the external auditory canal, bleeding from the ear and often cerebrospinal fluid; The facial nerve, as a rule, is not damaged in this case, the function of the vestibular apparatus is preserved, the hearing decreases (sound transmission is violated). The transverse fracture of the pyramid of the temporal bone is accompanied by damage to the labyrinth and, as a rule, the facial nerve. In this case, auditory and vestibular functions almost always completely drop out. The tympanic membrane usually remains intact, bleeding from the external auditory canal is not noted. The nature of bone lesions is established by radiographic examination of the skull.

Treatment. With small abrasions and bruising of the auricle, 5% iodine tincture and an aseptic dressing. Treatment othematoma. When crushing and detaching the auricle - sparing primary surgical treatment, seams on the edges of the wound, bandage. Introduce tetanus antitetanus against Besserke and anatoxin, prescribe antibiotics, sulfonamide preparations, physiotherapy treatment - ultraviolet irradiation, UHF currents. In case of bleeding from the external auditory meatus (fractures of the base of the skull), a lump of sterile cotton wool should be inserted into the ear canal and a sterile bandage applied. Cleaning of the external auditory canal and especially its rinsing are contraindicated. The patient is prescribed complete rest. If the purulent otitis media develops, then it is treated according to general rules (see Otitis).

Surgical intervention is performed with appropriate indications (non-stop bleeding from the ear, symptoms of intracranial complications).