A swollen outer ear after a hit needs a prompt exam
An ear, nose and throat surgeon and an ER doctor describe ear hematoma care
A hit to the outer ear can trap blood between the cartilage and the layer of tissue that feeds it. The ear may look puffy or purple. Its normal folds may look oddly smooth. Doctors call this an auricular hematoma. Without treatment, it can damage the cartilage and change the shape of the ear for good. Get it checked soon, even if your hearing seems fine. [1, 2]
Get the ear examined
Tell your doctor when the swelling started and whether it’s getting bigger. Mention any cut, change in hearing, dizziness or blood coming from the ear canal. The outer ear and the ear canal should be checked for more than a skin bruise. [1, 2]
A true hematoma usually needs a doctor to drain the pooled blood. Then the tissue has to be held against the cartilage while it heals. Draining it without a plan to keep it from filling back up often isn’t enough. [1, 2]
Looking after the dressing
Your care team may put on a firm dressing or a bolster (a pressure pad) and set up a recheck. Follow their directions on keeping the area dry and protecting it from pressure. Ask when the dressing should come off. Find out who will check whether the swelling comes back. Do not take the dressing apart or poke the ear to ease discomfort. Contact your team if the swelling returns. [1]
Signs that raise the urgency
Questions about your ear
- Is this a pocket of blood over the cartilage?
- How will we keep it from filling up again, and who will check?
- Are my ear canal and hearing affected too?
Snap a dated photo of the ear
Before your visit, take a photo with the date on it. It can show whether the swelling is changing. [1]
Sources and further reading
This overview is general education from ear, nose and throat surgery and emergency medicine. Never poke or squeeze a swollen ear on your own. A doctor should tell a pocket of blood apart from other ear injuries.
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