Middle Ear Lacerations: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor appointment
• Antibiotics
• Cotton balls

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Instructions

• 1

  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.

• 2

  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.

• 3

  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.

• 4

  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.