Post-Tube Ear Surgery Care: Is Dried Blood Normal After Ear Cleaning?

On March 11th, I underwent ear surgery for the insertion of tubes. Since then, I’ve been unable to clean my ears effectively. Today, after finally giving my ears a thorough cleaning with a Q-tip, I noticed some dried blood on the Q-tip. Is this something to be concerned about?

Understanding Post-Surgery Bleeding

Although it’s not uncommon to experience some residual dried blood after ear surgery, especially following the insertion of tubes, it’s crucial to monitor for any signs of excessive bleeding or increasing pain. Any unusual symptoms should prompt you to contact your doctor for guidance and further evaluation.

Why Use a Q-tip?

Using a Q-tip to clean your ears can be risky, particularly after ear surgery. This practice is generally discouraged by medical experts. Q-tips should not be used on the ears. Instead, it’s advisable to consult with your ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, who performed the surgery. They can provide specific instructions and guidance on proper ear hygiene.

Dried Blood After Surgery

Dried blood might be residual from the surgical procedure. However, if you notice a persistent drainage, it’s best to seek advice from your surgeon, who can address this issue effectively.

Why Avoid Q-tips?

Some might argue that their family or mother never told them not to use Q-tips, but even family doctors and ENT specialists strongly advise against using Q-tips to clean ears. Here’s why:

Q-tips may push your ear tube into your middle ear, potentially causing further complications.

Dried blood is indeed common after an ear procedure, but improper ear cleaning can lead to infections and other complications.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology warns that inserting Q-tips or other objects into the ear canal can cause:

cuts in the ear canal damage to the eardrum injury to the hearing bones hearing loss dizziness ringing in the ears (tinnitus) other symptoms of ear injury

Safe Ear Hygiene Practices

To maintain proper ear hygiene, you should:

Utilize ear wax removal drops or softeners that are recommended by your healthcare provider.

Consider using a syringe to gently remove ear wax.

Visit your ENT specialist for professional ear cleaning.

Follow any specific instructions provided by your ear surgery team.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help prevent further complications and ensure a smooth recovery from ear surgery.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that while it’s normal to find bits of dried blood after ear surgery, improper cleaning with Q-tips can lead to serious complications. Always consult with your ENT specialist for proper care and follow their instructions diligently. Your health and safety are paramount.