I’m looking to start BJJ alongside barbell training but am scared of developing cauliflower ear. I have heard of cases where people develop the condition even when using headgear. I’ve also heard that once symptoms arise and a doctor has drained the fluid, the condition worsens.
I have found a product online from a company called EarSplintz which sends a pack with which a mold can be made of the individuals ear which can be worn to compress the ear once injury has occurred. The product is quite expensive so it would be a big help to have a medical professional’s point of view on the product before purchase. Does this idea sound plausible in the prevention of cauliflower ear?
Not really, no to the “ear splint” thing, as there’s no way that is draining the hematoma.
Most of the evidence on this suggests if the deformity is old and you want it corrected it needs to be evaluated by an ENT or Plastic Surgeon for surgical intervention.
For acute injuries <48 hrs old, the indication is to drain the hematoma to prevent cauliflower ear. They need to be evaluated every ~24 hrs for re accumulation and are typically placed on antibiotics to prevent infection.
Headgear appears to have no impact on the incidence of these issues.
I think the purpose of the mold is to compress the ear to prevent fluid entering it therefore eliminating the necessity of drainage and to keep compressed until healed. I’m not sure if this sounds correct medically.
Interesting to hear why wearing headgear would still result in cauliflower ear. If the headgear is worn every time during heavy rolling and it is fitted properly, I would assume this would greatly reduce the risk. If the headgear doesn’t fit correctly, I can see it smashing the ears more. Personal experience: when I wear my head gear (that fits properly i.e. nothing touches my ear, and I wear it correctly) my ears are fine. Without my ears get red and swollen. Not really evidence, so I’m curious as to why it would happen anyway?
In that post I was referring to the ear splint treatment of a hematoma, not wrestling headgear and its effect on cauliflower ear. The data suggests wearing appropriate headgear may reduce incidence by ~50%.
I think OP might be over estimating how easy it is to get cauliflower ear. Lots of dedicated BJJ practitioners have perfectly normal looking ears. There are certain moves/styles that you will learn to stay away from, if nothing else because it hurts when your ears get smashed. I don’t currently train, but I did it pretty hard for about 3 years, and the only thing that I have is a tiny bump on one ear. I can feel it but it’s not even visible.