A broken ear, also known as a cauliflower ear fracture, is a deformity of the ear that usually occurs as a result of trauma or damage to the outer ear. This condition is more common among athletes such as boxers, wrestlers, and martial artists, but anyone with a hematoma in the ear area is at risk. Cauliflower ear if not treated properly.

In order to prevent permanent damage, it is very important to diagnose and treat it quickly.... In the rest of this article from GCORP LLC magazine, we will examine the cause of ear fracture and its treatment.

What is a broken ear or hematoma of a wrestler's earlobe?

As mentioned, cauliflower ear or broken ship's ear is a condition that can occur after severe trauma to the ear....this condition makes the ear appear prominent, bulging, and misshapen....the skin on the ear transfers blood to the underlying cartilage....when the ear is injured, the skin may separate from the cartilage that maintains the shape of the ear.

In this case, the blood flow is disturbed and a hematoma (local accumulation of blood) is created.... As the condition improves, the ear shrinks inward and looks wrinkled and looks like a cauliflower.... Although some athletes consider the cauliflower ear as a sign of honor and skill in fighting; But in fact, this complication is not only a sign of pride, but can also cause serious problems such as infection, pain, hearing loss, and a permanent change in the shape of the ear.

Remember, the damage that usually results in cauliflower ear is usually very severe and can also damage the inner ear at the same time....for example, this type of damage may cause a ruptured eardrum, pain behind the ear, and even tinnitus in addition to changing the shape of the earlobe.

Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include sudden or temporary hearing loss, severe pain in the ear, clear, bloody or pus-filled discharge from the ear, and dizziness or a feeling of imbalance. So, if you have any of the above symptoms after an ear injury, see an otolaryngologist immediately.

What are the symptoms of ear fracture or earlobe hematoma?

Symptoms of this complication are:

• Changing the shape of the ear
• Blurred vision
• Discoloration, swelling or bruising in the outer area of ​​the ear
• Earache
• Bleeding from the ear
• Headache
• Tinnitus (hearing ringing in the ears)

As mentioned, severe damage to the ear can cause tinnitus, which occurs as ringing, whistling, or ringing in the ear without an external source. This condition is usually caused by damage to the inner ear or damage to the auditory nerve after trauma.

To treat tinnitus at home, you can use methods such as avoiding exposure to absolute silence, using white noise or soft nature sounds when sleeping, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and managing stress with techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. We also recommend protecting the affected ear from loud noises.

What is the cause of broken ear?

The main cause of cauliflower ear is a direct, severe blow and a blunt blow.... Blunt blow is an injury that is inflicted on the body by a hard object but without a sharp edge.... In this type of injury, the skin is not usually torn.. But underlying tissues such as veins, muscles or bones may be damaged.

When there is an injury to the ear, the blood vessels that are responsible for feeding the cartilage may rupture.. This condition causes blood to collect between the cartilage and the perichondrium (a layer of connective tissue that surrounds the cartilage). A scar is formed. But usually this new tissue is bulging, misshapen, and asymmetrical, and looks like a cauliflower... Experts still don't know exactly why the new cartilage grows in a lumpy, misshapen shape.

Complications of ear fracture and earlobe hematoma

The main symptoms of cauliflower ear are:

• Ear deformity
• Hearing loss
• Occurrence of infection

If the ear becomes infected, the person may also suffer from the following complications:

• Fever
• Increasing earache
• Inflation increase
• Pus comes out of the ear

How to understand that the ear is broken?

An otolaryngologist can diagnose an ear fracture during a physical examination of the head and neck. The doctor should also check if other problems were caused by direct trauma to the ear. To do this, the doctor will do the following:

• Investigating the presence of a tear in the eardrum
• Perform a neurological assessment to check for disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves
• Evaluation of cranial nerves involved in hearing, taste, smell and touch

Also, the doctor may use a CT scan for further investigation.

Types of broken ears

This complication is divided into 2 main types based on the amount and location of the deformation:

1.... Type One: Minor Deformation

In this case, slight changes in the appearance of the ear can be seen.... The type 1 broken ear itself is divided into three sub-branches, which are:

• Type 1A: The deformity is limited to the concha (cup-like part of the earlobe).
• Type 1B: The deformity extends from the antihelix (inner edge of the ear) to the helix (outer edge of the ear).
• Type 1C: Deformation involves the entire outer ear lobe.

2.... Type 2: Severe deformation

In this case, there are significant changes in the overall structure and appearance of the earlobe, usually caused by more severe or untreated injuries.

Treatment of ear fracture and earlobe hematoma

To manage and treat cauliflower ear, you can do the following:

1.... Primary treatment

Using an ice pack is an immediate treatment for earache in adults..so immediately cool the affected area with ice....you can do this by applying ice for 15 minutes at intervals....this will help reduce the swelling and may prevent cauliflower ear from growing....you should also see an otolaryngologist immediately.

2... drawing water from a broken ear

In the early stages of damage to the earlobe, the doctor may be able to treat the condition by draining excess blood from the ear... To do this, the doctor makes an incision at the site of the injury and allows the blood to drain from the damaged area.

After drainage, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection....He will also put a pressure bandage on the ear to help the ear return to its proper shape....Be aware that dressing a broken ear is an important step in treating an ear injury.

The purpose of using this dressing is to apply even pressure to the ear to prevent re-accumulation of blood and to help the skin adhere to the cartilage. This dressing usually consists of a soft pad or sterile gauze over the ear, along with a layer of pressure protection on both sides of the ear and a bandage around the head to hold it in place.

Also, until the ear is fully healed, you should avoid activities that may cause further damage to the ear.... The cauliflower ear may regenerate.. Therefore, even after evacuation, it is important to monitor your ear for swelling.. If the swelling is not treated in time or initial treatment is not successful, the cartilage will thicken and scar.

3... Surgery for ear fracture

Types of ear surgery are divided into several general categories depending on the type of problem and the purpose of treatment... One of the most common is ear cosmetic surgery, which is performed to correct the appearance of ear abnormalities, including cauliflower ear... Cauliflower ear is permanent... but in some cases, its appearance can be improved with this corrective surgery.

In this method, the surgeon exposes the cartilage by making an incision behind the ear, and then by removing a part of it or stitching it, it gives the ear a more natural shape. This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.. But in some cases local anesthesia is enough. After the operation, the patient can usually resume physical activities after about six weeks, although the doctor may rest longer depending on the situation.

4... Treatment of child's ear fracture

Ear fractures in children, which often occur as a result of a direct blow to the ear or a fall, require immediate medical care to prevent serious complications such as deformity or ear infection. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment play an important role in maintaining the shape and normal function of the child's ear.

Treatment for broken ears in children varies depending on the severity of the injury....In mild cases, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest may be all that is needed..But in more severe injuries, draining the blood collected under the skin or even surgery to repair the damaged cartilage is necessary....Antibiotics are also common to prevent infection....The doctor may monitor the child for a few days after treatment to ensure a full recovery. be.

It should be noted that some symptoms of earache in babies and children, such as constant crying, ear pulling, fever and restlessness, may be confused with symptoms of injury or injury to the ear.... It is very important to diagnose the exact cause of earache in babies and children. Protection during play or sports plays an important role in children's ear health

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5.... home treatment of ear fracture

In the early stages of injury and before seeing a doctor, some simple home measures can help reduce pain and swelling, which include:

• Using a cold compress: Placing an ice pack or cold compress on the affected ear for 10 to 15 minutes can reduce swelling and pain.
• Elevate the head: When resting or sleeping, keep the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
• Avoid pressure on the ear: Avoid pressing or massaging the affected ear to prevent further bleeding or swelling.
• Caring for ear cleanliness: Keep the ear dry and clean and prevent water or contamination from entering the ear.

Note that the home treatment of ear fracture is only a temporary and useful measure and you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist as soon as possible... because the accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma) or infection may require drainage or medication.

Summary

Ear fracture or cauliflower ear is a complication that usually occurs after a severe blow to the outer ear and if not treated in time, it can cause deformity, infection, pain and permanent hearing loss.. Ear.

Accurate diagnosis and quick treatment by an otolaryngologist is essential to prevent serious complications and maintain ear health. Therefore, if you see any signs of damage or changes in the shape of the ear, be sure to see a specialist so that the best treatment measures can be taken for you....

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Source: clevelandclinic | health line