Does bleeding after cleaning the ears mean the eardrum is ruptured?

Bleeding after cleaning the ears may be caused by a ruptured eardrum, or it could result from damaging the skin of the outer ear canal during the process.

The skin of the outer ear canal is relatively thin and has little underlying tissue. When cleaning the ears oneself, it's difficult to see the internal structures clearly. Inappropriate pressure, incorrect angle, use of unprofessional tools, excessive force, or sudden external impact can easily puncture the eardrum, leading to bleeding. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss.

Since the outer ear canal is deep and narrow, with blood vessels and nerves attached to its walls, accidental injury to the skin lining the canal during ear cleaning can also cause bleeding.

If bleeding occurs after cleaning the ears, especially when accompanied by ear discomfort, it's important to promptly visit a hospital's general surgery department for appropriate evaluation and receive symptomatic treatment under medical guidance. During treatment, avoid repeatedly cleaning the ears and keep water out of the ear to prevent infection.