The evaluation of an ear injury is based on a history and physical examination.
Physical findings in someone with an ear injury may include:
- In some cases, the eardrum cannot be seen due to swelling or bleeding.
- Eardrum:
- Normal eardrum
- Perforated eardrum
- Swelling of the external ear
- Common with blunt injuries to the external ear
Tests that may be used to evaluate ear injury include:
- Audiometry (hearing tests)
- Tympanometry:
- Tests if the eardrum is functioning correctly. During this test the doctor will insert a probe into the patient's ear to create an airtight seal. The probe measures the movement of the eardrum in response to fluctuations in air pressure similar to sound waves.
