The initial symptoms of the types of injuries that lead to cauliflower ear are similar to the symptoms one might experience from blunt trauma elsewhere in the body. You may have swelling, and the area may be red or bruised. Don't shrug off such symptoms if you have received a blow, or multiple blows, to the ear. Prompt treatment can prevent the development of cauliflower ear -- but it must be performed before the tissue is compromised by lack of blood flow.