Ear Injury

Primary blast injuries of the auditory system can be very serious, but they are easily overlooked. The degree of injury depends on the orientation of the ear to the blast. Ear drum perforation is the most common injury.

Signs of ear injury are usually present at time of initial evaluation and should be suspected for anyone presenting with hearing loss, earache, vertigo, bleeding from the external canal, or puss discharges. All casualties exposed to blast should have an ear exam.