Which of the following is a common symptom of auricular hematoma?

A painful swelling is a hallmark symptom of an auricular hematoma. This condition typically arises from blunt trauma to the ear, leading to blood accumulation between the cartilage and the overlying skin. The swelling is often tender, and the area may appear red or bruised as the hematoma develops.

While other symptoms associated with ear conditions, such as fluid drainage from the ear, hearing loss, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), can occur in different ear disorders, they are not primarily associated with auricular hematoma. Fluid drainage usually indicates an infection or another type of ear disorder, and hearing loss or tinnitus does not directly relate to the presence of a hematoma specifically. Therefore, recognizing painful swelling as the characteristic symptom is critical for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.