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Ear emergencies
Definition:
Ear emergencies include objects stuck in the ear and ruptured eardrums. See also acoustic trauma. Text Continues Below

Considerations:
Children often stick objects into their ears. These objects can be difficult to remove because the ear canal is a tube of solid bone that is lined with thin, sensitive skin. Any object pressing against the skin can be very painful. In many cases, a doctor will need to use special instruments to examine the ear and safely remove the object. Causes:
Pain, hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ear, and ruptured eardrums can be caused by: - Inserting cotton swabs, toothpicks, pins, pens, or other objects into the ear.
- Sudden changes in pressure, as from an explosion, blow to the head, flying, scuba diving, falling while water skiing, or being slapped on the head or ear.
- Loud percussions, such as a gun going off.
References:
Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001:468-470. DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003:758.
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