Sports injuries are a common cause of ear trauma. Any type of blunt force directed toward the external ear, which can occur in wrestling or football, can create a bruise, hematoma, or laceration of the outside of the ear. External cuts or bruises are easily diagnosed by the naked eye and can often be treated at home with ice and close monitoring. If there is any doubt as to whether the ear has sustained significant damage, such as a hematoma, it is important to consult an ENT physician within a few days of the injury.

With severe lacerations or hematoma, cartilage damage can also occur. This condition is often referred to as “cauliflower ear” because the ear has a bumpy appearance similar to cauliflower. Without intervention, this disfigurement will become permanent and will be the cause of chronic discomfort and unsightly ear deformity for many people. Fortunately, new surgical techniques are available to prevent this from happening. Our surgeons can help drain the accumulated fluid after such an injury, which can prevent calcium deposits from forming and greatly improve the external appearance of the ear in the long term.