What should I do if my ear was hit by a volleyball and now I have tinnitus?

　　In general, tinnitus caused by being hit in the ear with a volleyball may be related to increased inner ear pressure, ear injury, vibration stimulation of the inner ear, eardrum perforation, or inner ear nerve damage, among other causes, and requires targeted treatment. It is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations to determine the physical condition and follow medical advice for proper management.

　　1. Increased Inner Ear Pressure: When the ear is struck by a volleyball, it may cause a sudden increase in inner ear pressure. This pressure change can affect the flow of endolymph fluid within the cochlea, leading to abnormal excitation of cochlear organs and resulting in tinnitus. Swallowing or chewing gum may help equalize pressure within the ear.

　　2. Ear Injury: External impact on the ear may lead to tissue damage. Such injury can directly impair auditory organ function—for example, sensory cells within the cochlea—or disrupt neural signal transmission between the cochlea and the brain, thereby causing tinnitus. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary to assess the extent and precise location of the injury.

　　3. Vibration Stimulation of the Inner Ear: When a volleyball hits the ear, strong external force is transmitted to the inner ear. The resulting vibrations may displace delicate structures or overstimulate them, causing hair cells to discharge abnormally and trigger tinnitus. It is important to allow the injured ear adequate rest in a quiet environment, minimize head movement, and consider gentle ear massage around the outer ear to improve local blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.

　　4. Eardrum Perforation: The eardrum is a critical structure connecting the external auditory canal and the middle ear. A blow from a volleyball may damage or even perforate the eardrum. If the eardrum is damaged or perforated, outside air and bacteria may enter the middle ear, potentially causing infection and also leading to tinnitus. Small eardrum perforations may heal spontaneously within several weeks. During this time, avoid forceful nose-blowing to prevent pressure transmission from the nasal cavity to the middle ear, which could interfere with healing.

　　5. Inner Ear Nerve Damage: A strong impact to the ear may cause traumatic injury to the inner ear, such as nerve damage. Such nerve injury can disrupt the transmission of auditory signals, resulting in tinnitus that may persist for a prolonged period and possibly lead to hearing loss. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as mecobalamin tablets, oryzanol tablets, or vitamin B12 supplements to help relieve discomfort.

　　In daily life, getting sufficient rest and drinking plenty of water can aid recovery. If there is obvious injury to the external auditory canal, gently wipe with a clean cotton swab to keep the area clean. In case of swelling, apply cold compresses within the first 24–48 hours after injury. Additionally, avoid using earplugs or other items that might further irritate the external auditory canal, allowing the ear canal to heal naturally.