Ear Injuries

Sports-related ear injuries are not uncommon and may affect the external, middle, or inner ear. Direct trauma to the auricle commonly occurs in wrestling and rugby and may result in the infamous “cauliflower ear.” External ear infection is so common in swimmers that it has come to be referred to as “swimmer's ear.” Middle ear injury may involve perforation of the eardrum, and inner ear barotrauma is often associated with diving. In this entry, we will review the evaluation and management of the most common sports-related ear injuries.