A member asked:

My right ear doesn't hurt but when i cleaned it there is blood on the q-tip. does this mean anything bad? it has never happened before.

3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Trauma: You might have cause it yourself with the q tip. However, if you are having hearing problem, your tympanic membrane might have ruptured. Please see your pcp or ENT depending upon the specific symptoms.

Answered 9/22/2017

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Dr. John Munshower answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Don't use Q-tips: Q-tips should be used only for cleaning the grooves of the outer ear, never for use inside the hole (ear canal). You can push back wax in too far against the ear drum (tympanic membrane) and even worse can possibly cause a rupture. If the blood persists, then see a dr. Who can look into the ear to see where the bleeding is coming from and if the q-tip was responsible. Good luck.

Answered 9/22/2017

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Injury from Q tip: If it was bright blood, it came from using the q tip. It is not necessarily dangerous but if pain develops seek care for external otitis. It is not a good idea to use q tips to clean ears because of the risk of traumatic injury that can be come infected.

Answered 10/19/2017

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