Home: Foreign Object In The Ear

Foreign Object In The Ear

Whenever some outside object goes inside the ear canal, it is called as foreign body in the ear. It can be substances such as cotton used to clean the ear, or some insect that peeped into the ear or accidental push of some other material into the ear by the children.

It usually causes pain and if the foreign body is sharp, it can even tear the ear drum or the tympanic membrane.

The foreign object creates discomfort and tickling sensation in case there is an insect in the ear. It may lead to infection and discharge may be seen.

Follow the steps mentioned below to dislodge the foreign body in the ear:

If the object seems easier to be removed or visible, you can attempt to remove using the tweezers. However it is always better not to introduce any thing in the ear not even the cotton swab sticks to clean the ear. This attempt may push the object further into the ear making it more difficult to be removed.

The principle of gravity may help sometimes if the object is small, for this you may turn your head on the affected side.

If you are sure enough that there is an insect inside the ear, you can instil one to two drops of mineral oil in the ear. If the foreign body is not an insect, do not put oil, it may create more problems.

If you are able to irrigate the ear at home then you can flush the ear to remove the object. Otherwise it is always better to consult the physician or especially the ear specialist.

If all the above measure of first aid to dislodge the foreign object fails, you can seek the medical help.

Some don’ts:
Do not push your finger into the ear when you suspect some foreign body in the ear.
Do not put oil into the ear unless you are sure the foreign body is an insect.
Do not shake the head of the child who has foreign body in the ear.
Do not attempt to clean your ears with cotton swabs sticks or the match sticks.

Disclaimer
This site provides you with the general guidelines and information regarding the first aid measures for the various conditions or health related problems. It is not a substitute for the medical advice or the formal first aid training. It will not be responsible or liable in case one tries to make diagnosis based on the provided information. You always need to consult the doctor and emergency department in case of all the serious emergencies rather than just relying upon the supposed guidelines.