Can Cauliflower Ear Cause Hearing Loss?

When you hear the word cauliflower, you likely think of the vegetable that resembles a white piece of broccoli — the last thing you’re thinking about is someone’s ear! However, a condition known as cauliflower ear commonly affects wrestlers, boxers, and other individuals that participate in contact sports. Cauliflower ear refers to the swelling of the ear due to the blood clot from trauma that causes the ear to become lumpy and misshapen.

Along with treating the appearance of cauliflower ear, you may wonder if it causes any unfortunate side effects such as hearing loss. Keep reading as El Dorado Hearing shares the risk factors of untreated cauliflower ear, including hearing loss.

The Risks of Untreated Cauliflower Ear

As we mentioned, cauliflower ear occurs due to repeated blunt-force trauma to the side of the head where our ears are often exposed if protective headgear isn’t used. This repeated impact may be from a fist, a shoulder, or the ground. Because of the trauma, a blood clot forms beneath the skin and reduces blood flow to the ear — restricting the ear from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs as an essential part of the healing process. As a result, the ear begins to wither, resembling the cauliflower’s top.

If cauliflower ear is treated quickly, it can be cured over a few days. However, the longer the individual waits to treat the condition, the longer it will take to resolve and may require reconstructive surgery.

In most cases, cauliflower ear is harmless to the health and wellbeing of the individual. However, a cauliflower ear is more prone to infections than a normal ear which can have negative repercussions. Ear infections, especially those that go untreated, can cause a ruptured eardrum and lead to additional complications.

Cauliflower Ear & Hearing Loss

A recent study published in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine compared the prevalence of hearing loss among wrestlers with and without cauliflower ears to see if it impacts their hearing. By having wrestlers with and without cauliflower ears undergo hearing tests, they could evaluate each group’s hearing levels.

Their findings concluded that the prevalence of hearing loss among wrestlers with cauliflower ear is higher than the rate for non-cauliflower ears. The results demonstrate the importance of taking preventive measures against cauliflower ear by wearing protective headgear when participating in a high-contact sport like wrestling or boxing.

Schedule Hearing Testing with El Dorado Hearing

If you or a loved one regularly participates in high-contact sports with a heightened risk of blunt-force trauma to the head and ears, you must undergo regular hearing examinations.

Regular ear exams with a hearing specialist can help:

• Identify concerns – A hearing specialist can make proactive recommendations that can help restore your hearing or prevent additional damage in the future. They may provide a recommendation for cauliflower ear compression or protective headgear to prevent further tissue damage.
• Limit further damage – They’ll work with you to develop a plan of action to reduce the chances of further damage to your ears, helping prevent further hearing loss.
• Get necessary treatment – If an ear exam uncovers a problem with your hearing or ears from cauliflower ear, a hearing specialist will be able to provide a recommended treatment plan that allows you to hear more clearly. Along with helping you get fitted for the ideal hearing aids for your lifestyle, they can also provide you with hearing protection to help prevent your condition from getting worse. The AZ hearing specialists in Tucson will be able to provide you with a variety of treatment options.

For personalized hearing testing in Tucson, AZ, make El Dorado Hearing of Tucson first on your list. We strive to make our hearing offices a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome.

Stop searching “hearing testing near me” on Google and give the team at El Dorado Hearing a call. If you are ready to maintain your ear health, contact us today to set up an appointment for an ear exam!