Cauliflower ear is a deformity of the ear caused by a hit – or repeated hits – to the ear. This leads to small pools of blood (hematomas) that clot and block the flow of blood and nutrients. It’s also called subperichondrial hematoma, wrestler’s ear, and boxer’s ear.

Left untreated, this type of injury can lead to a blockage that prevents blood flow and damages tissue. As a result, part of the ear looks bumpy or lumpy, similar to a cauliflower. Early treatment can help prevent permanent deformity.

A study looked at 28 male wrestlers aged 18–35 years with cauliflower ears on both sides. Wrestlers with cauliflower ears exhibited significantly poorer hearing thresholds than the control group, particularly at frequencies above 4000 Hz.

In addition, the ear canal resonance of the wrestlers was affected. Each of us has a resonance of the ear canal, where certain pitches are enhanced, just by virtue of the shape and length of the ear canal!

It is crucial to advocate for the use of ear protection equipment among wrestlers. When fitting hearing aids, attention should be given to changes in the ear canal resonance.

Related post: How to help someone who is hard of hearing