Earwax is one of the many natural secretions of the human body. Many people get used to the normal color of these different secretions.
It can be worrying to see something unusual. Earwax mixed with blood, for example, immediately draws attention and makes one wonder if everything is alright.
To reassure you, here's an overview of the reasons why your earwax might contain blood, as well as other conditions that can affect your ears. Many people dread the unknown. Learning about the possible causes will help you better understand your health and reduce your anxiety.
Blood in earwax
The presence of blood in any bodily secretion tends to be frightening. In the ears, it often immediately leads to imagining the worst. While there are potentially serious medical causes for bloody earwax, some explanations are far from being a medical emergency.
Continue reading to discover the possible causes of bloody earwax, their origins, and the best steps to take.
Perforated eardrum
One of the potentially most serious causes of bloody earwax is a perforated eardrum. This occurs when the thin eardrum membrane tears. To effectively conduct sound to other parts of the ear, this membrane must remain intact. When it is punctured, your ability to hear may decrease.
This membrane is similar to almost all tissues in the body. Although incredibly thin, it is supplied with blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen to the cells. When a tear occurs, the tissue usually bleeds into the ear canal. Over time, this blood mixes with the earwax, resulting in bloody earwax.
A punctured eardrum can occur for multiple reasons. One possible cause is accidental perforation while using cotton swabs, a practice that specialists unanimously advise against.
Another possible cause of eardrum rupture is exposure to extremely loud noise or a significant pressure difference on either side of the eardrum. Diving followed by too rapid an ascent, for example, can cause eardrum rupture.
While a punctured eardrum can lead to some hearing loss, it actually repairs itself quite well within a few weeks. In some cases, however, the eardrum fails to heal completely, and surgery is necessary to allow proper healing.
Physical injuries
Another possible cause of bloody earwax is a physical injury to the ear. Cuts and skin lesions in the ear canal can cause bleeding and, consequently, earwax mixed with blood.
An injury likely to cause bloody earwax is a blow to the side of the head. Depending on how the impact occurs, it can cause a tear in the skin of the outer ear canal, or even injure the eardrum.
Receiving a blow to the head can be serious. If you notice any bleeding from the ears or suspect a concussion, seek immediate medical attention. Blood draining from the ears after a head injury can indicate a brain hemorrhage. Getting this checked can help prevent potentially lasting consequences.
Ear infections
Another possible cause of blood in the ear is a severe infection. An ear infection can be caused by a virus or bacteria. This is essentially the colonization of tissue by foreign agents. This invasion can damage tissue and cause bleeding.
Infections can affect the outer ear canal or the middle ear, and in both cases, can cause blood, discharge, and other symptoms. Most ear infections are detected fairly early, but sometimes severe infections can develop and cause the ears to bleed.
Some ear infections resolve on their own, but many require antibiotics, especially when they are severe enough to cause bleeding. Seeking treatment is essential for severe infections because, if left untreated, they can lead to hearing loss.
Other signs to look out for
Bloody earwax can be a cause for concern. But other phenomena can also be worrying for the health of your ears. Here's an overview of these situations and what to do if you encounter them.
Sudden hearing loss
Significant and sudden hearing loss should be a warning sign. Common hearing loss (such as that experienced by older people) progresses slowly over time and, although undesirable, is not a cause for concern.
The main concern with sudden and significant hearing loss is a disturbance in the transmission of the auditory signal and its interpretation by the brain. These situations are concerning because they can signal a neurodegenerative disease, or even a tumor near the auditory nerve or in the brain.
If you experience sudden and significant hearing loss, consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and, ideally, to receive prompt care.
Severe vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel as if the world is spinning around you. It can be caused by a dysfunction of the semicircular canals of the inner ear, the structure responsible for balance.
Vertigo can be concerning because it is associated with various conditions such as labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, or brain disorders, and it can be accompanied by hearing loss.
Moreover, the symptoms of vertigo itself can be very disabling and significantly complicate daily life. If vertigo appears suddenly, it is advisable to consult your doctor to rule out the potentially most serious causes.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to hearing a sound that is not present in the immediate environment. There are two main forms: objective tinnitus and subjective tinnitus.
Objective tinnitus comes from an identifiable source near the eardrum and is usually due to turbulent blood flow near the ear. This form is commonly called pulsatile tinnitus and can signal cardiovascular problems, such as narrowing of the arteries or high blood pressure.
Both of these conditions can threaten your overall health. Managing your blood pressure and improving your cardiovascular health can help reduce objective tinnitus.
Subjective tinnitus is another form of tinnitus that also involves hearing phantom sounds, but without a physical source. It is usually related to a problem in the brain and is difficult to treat as such. It can be distressing for some and impair concentration and work. Targeted tinnitus therapy can provide considerable help. It does not eliminate tinnitus sounds, but it helps people live better with them.
Other earwax colors and what they might mean
Earwax can come in a wide variety of colors; its shade can tell you about the functioning of your ears.
Here's an overview of some less common earwax colors and what they mean:
Black
Black earwax is usually surprising, yet there's not necessarily cause for alarm. Dark shades, such as black and brown, indicate that the earwax is old and has been in the ear for a long time. It darkens due to accumulated dirt and particles.
Green
Green earwax is not common; it can signal a severe ear infection. Earwax can turn green due to discharge from infected tissue in the ear.
Monitor your health and seek help
The presence of bloody earwax can indicate various ear problems, from infection to a ruptured eardrum. Even if it's sometimes just a simple scratch, it's probably wise to have your ears checked by a doctor to ensure they are healthy.
Not only can a doctor help pinpoint the cause, but they can also guide you to the necessary treatments. Your doctor will put you on the path to recovery faster.
Sources
Ruptured eardrum (perforated eardrum) - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Vertigo: What Is It, Causes, Signs & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic
Understanding the Facts | American Tinnitus Association
