Objects in the Ear

Overview

Objects (foreign bodies) inserted into the ear usually do not cause much damage. But objects that are inserted with force can damage the ear canal or pierce the eardrum.

Problems with objects in the ear most often occur in children younger than age 5 and in people who have problems with thinking and reasoning, such as an intellectual disability or Alzheimer's disease.

Some objects in the ear cause more problems than others.

• An insect or object in the ear may just cause minor symptoms. A young child may complain of discomfort or unusual noises in the ear. In this case, it likely is okay to try to remove the object. If the object can't be removed, it may fall out on its own over the next 24 hours.
• Some food items can cause problems if they are placed in the ear. Dry foods expand when they become moist. Seeds, such as beans, peas, or popcorn, can swell from the moistness of the ear canal, making them harder to remove. The objects may cause pain and hearing loss as they expand to fill the ear canal. The irritation may cause a bad-smelling liquid to drain from the ear.
• The tip or a piece of cotton from a cotton swab may become lodged in the ear canal if one is used to try to clean the ear canal or remove another object.
• Disc batteries (also called button cell batteries) are more dangerous than other objects and should be removed right away. The moist tissue in the ear canal can cause the battery to release strong chemicals (alkali) quickly, often in less than 1 hour. These chemicals can cause a severe burn and scarring in as little as 4 hours.

The longer an object is left in the ear, the harder it is to remove. Also, the longer an object stays in the ear, the higher the chances of infection. A visit to a doctor is needed if an object stays in the ear longer than 24 hours.

An urgent visit to a doctor is needed anytime a disc battery is placed in the ear or if symptoms of injury develop after an object has been put in the ear. Symptoms of injury include sudden hearing loss, moderate to severe pain, dizziness, or bleeding.

Self-Care

Follow these tips to remove an object from the ear.

• Tilt the head to the side and shake it.

  Gently pulling the ear up and back may straighten the ear canal and help dislodge the object.

• Remove the object with blunt-ended tweezers.

  If the object is visible and the person is calm and cooperative, carefully try to remove the object with blunt-ended tweezers. Do not use non-gripping instruments, such as bobby pins, cotton swabs, or matchsticks. Use care not to push the object farther into the ear.

• Don't try to remove an object if the person will not hold still.
• Don't try to remove an object if it is so far inside the ear that you can't see the tips of the tweezers.
• Don't try to flush out an object with water.
• Use extra care when removing an object from a child's ear.

  When trying to remove an object from a child's ear, speak to the child in a calm, relaxed voice. This will help calm the child's fear. An object that is not causing symptoms doesn't have to be removed right away. If the child is upset, it may be best to let them calm down before you try to remove the object.

• Call your doctor if you can't remove the object. You may need care.

Don't use ear candles. There is no proof that they help to remove earwax or other objects in the ear, and they can cause serious injury.

Removing a disc battery from the ear

If the battery is partially out of the ear, you may be able to remove it with your fingers or blunt-nosed tweezers. When trying to remove a disc battery from the ear, keep these things in mind.

• Don't use non-gripping instruments, such as bobby pins, cotton swabs, or matchsticks.
• Use care to not push the battery farther into the ear.
• Don't try to remove it if a child resists or can't hold still.
• Don't use eardrops or sprays of any type.

  They can cause the battery to corrode more quickly and cause severe damage to the ear canal.

If you can't remove the battery, call your doctor. If you are not able to reach your doctor right away, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Removing an insect from the ear

Don't try to kill an insect that has flown or crawled inside the ear. Follow these tips to remove an insect from the ear.

• Pull the ear up and back, and let the sun or a bright light shine inside the ear.

  Insects are attracted to light and may crawl out.

• Try to help the insect float out, if it didn't crawl out.
  • Lie the person down with the ear facing upward.
  • Fill the ear canal with warm (body temperature) mineral, olive, or baby oil. The insect may float out.
• Call your doctor if you can't remove the insect. You may need care.

Don't use ear candles. There is no proof that they help to remove earwax or other objects in the ear, and they can cause serious injury.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• New or worse bleeding or drainage.
• New symptoms, such as hearing loss or dizziness.
• The ear canal or skin around the ear becomes red, swollen, itchy or painful.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

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