Finding a foreign object in the ear can be stressful, whether it’s happened to you, your child, or someone in your care. From insects and beads to cotton buds or broken hearing aid parts, it’s more common than you might think. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to know what to do and, just as importantly, what not to do if you or someone you know ends up with a foreign object stuck in the ear.
In this article, we’ll cover the risks, symptoms, and recommended next steps when dealing with a foreign object in the ear canal, and when to seek professional help.
How do foreign objects get into the ear?
Foreign objects can end up in the ear canal for several reasons. Children, in particular, are curious and may place small items like beads, buttons, or food inside the ear during play. In adults, it’s often the result of accidents, such as a piece of a cotton bud breaking off, a hearing aid component becoming dislodged, or an insect crawling in while sleeping or outdoors.
Some of the most common items include:
- Cotton bud tips
- Beads, buttons or small toys
- Insects
- Seeds or food items
- Hearing aid components
- Foam earplug fragments
Symptoms of a foreign object in the ear canal
If you suspect something is lodged in the ear, the following symptoms may be present:
- Discomfort or pain in the ear
- A feeling of fullness or pressure
- Decreased hearing or muffled sounds
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
- Drainage (which may be clear, bloody, or pus-like)
- Unusual odour
- Itching or irritation
- In the case of insects, you may feel movement or hear buzzing
While some cases are immediately obvious (especially in young children who report putting something in their ear), others might go unnoticed for a while, especially if the object is small and not painful at first.
What to do (and what not to do)
If there’s a foreign object in the ear, follow these steps.
DO:
- Remain calm: Panic can make the situation worse, especially in children.
- Avoid poking or prodding: Don’t use cotton buds, fingers, tweezers, or other tools. They can push the object deeper, damage the ear canal, or even perforate the eardrum.
- Tilt the head: If the object is loose and hasn’t lodged deeply, tilting the affected ear downward may allow gravity to help it fall out naturally.
- For insects: Try placing a few drops of olive oil in the ear to stop the insect’s movement. This can also help it float out. Only use drops in the ear if you’re certain the eardrum is intact.
DON'T:
- Flush the ear with water: Especially if the object is organic (such as food, seeds). The moisture may cause the foreign object to swell.
- Delay: If symptoms persist or the object remains stuck, seek medical assistance promptly.
When to seek help
If you’re dealing with a foreign object stuck in the ear, it’s always safest to have it removed by a medical professional. At Earworx, our team of Registered Nurses are trained in safe and gentle microsuction techniques, which can be used to remove not only wax but also certain foreign objects under direct visualisation.
Microsuction offers several benefits:
- Precise and controlled removal using medical-grade suction
- No water, no pressure, making it ideal for sensitive or infected ears
- Performed under direct vision with a specialised magnifying headset
- Minimal discomfort and no downtime
Why choose Earworx?
At Earworx, we specialise in professional ear care, including safe removal of foreign objects in the ear canal. Whether it’s wax, debris, or something unexpected, our Registered Nurses will assess the situation and remove the object safely using evidence-based methods.
We understand how distressing ear issues can be, especially when they involve children or the elderly. That’s why we offer compassionate, expert care in a calm and hygienic clinical environment.
If you or someone you know has a foreign object in the ear, don’t take risks with home remedies or DIY tools. Whether it’s a toy, insect, or cotton bud fragment, safe and effective removal is essential to avoid further complications.
Foreign object in the ear? Don’t wait. Book with Earworx today for expert care.
