Foreign Object In The Ear: What to do about it?

From toys to seeds,a foreign object can get into one’s ear especially those of a child. Curiosity is what usually causes foreign object to get inside the child’s ear. There are also cases of foreign object getting inside an adult’s ear without them realizing it.

 

Having a foreign object inside the ear can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, it may also cause hearing loss and discharges. The symptoms usually vary depending on the type of object that has got into one’s ear and how long it has been there.

 

There are usually no symptoms when an object gets into the ear for a short span of time. But if the object has been there for some time, it can cause bleeding and ear discharges especially if it’s something that abrades the ear canal. When left unmanaged, foreign object inside the ear can cause erythema, swelling of the ear, and foul-smelling discharges.

 

How To Deal With It

The most important concern when dealing with a foreign object inside the ear is not to cause anything that will push it further. Once the object has been pushed further into the ear, there is higher possibility of causing damage to the ear canal.

 

Here are some tips on how to deal with a foreign object inside the ear:

Whether it’s cotton swab or a matchstick, never attempt to remove a foreign object by probing your ear with a tool. This will only increase the chance of pushing the object further inside your ear. It’s harder to remove the object when it’s pushed further inside.

If you can see the object and can remove it using a tweezer, then do so gently. 

Using gravity, you can try dislodging the object from your ear by tilting your head on the affected side. 

When an insect gets into your ear, you can try using a mineral or baby oil to float the insect. Make sure that when you’re pouring the oil, you are straightening the ear canal by pulling the earlobe backward and upward for adults and backward and downward for kids.

Using an oil to dislodge an object is not recommended when there is pain, bleeding, or discharges coming from the ear.

If these things don’t work, then it’s best to consult an ENT specialist. You must refer cases like this to an ENT doctor especially if:

â—       The case requires the patient to be sedated.

â—       There is difficulty removing the foreign object.

â—       The patient is uncooperative.

â—       There is already perforation of the tympanic membrane.