Foreign object in the ear: First aid (2024)

If left untreated, a foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss.

Parts of the ear

The ear is made up of three primary parts: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Each section is composed of structures that play distinct roles in the process of converting sound waves into signals that go to the brain.

A foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss. Usually you know if something is stuck in your ear. But small children may not be aware of it. Children may have symptoms such as ear pain, crankiness or crying.

If an object becomes lodged in the ear:

Know when to seek help. If there is bleeding, severe pain, drainage or signs of infection, see a health care provider right away. Also, if you know the object is a battery, seek help right away. And if you can't easily see the object and you've tried removing it more than once, stop and get care. Delays and many failed tries to remove it can lead to infection and damage.
Never poke or prod the object. If you use tools such as cotton swabs or matchsticks to pry an object out, they can push it deeper into the ear. This may cause more damage.
Use tweezers. If the object is easy to see and grasp, gently remove it with tweezers.
Use water. Only wash out the ear canal if you don't think there is a hole in the eardrum and no ear tubes are in place. Use a rubber-bulb syringe and warm water to wash the object out of the canal. Don't use water to remove batteries, food or plant material.
Use oil or alcohol for an insect. If the object is an insect, tilt the head so that the ear with the insect is upward. Pour alcohol or warm, but not hot, oil into the ear. The oil can be mineral oil, olive oil or baby oil. The insect should float out. Don't use oil if you think there is a hole in the eardrum or if ear tubes are in place.
Never use liquid if there is a hole in the eardrum or if a child has ear tubes. If you see signs of a hole in the eardrum such as pain, bleeding or discharge, see a health care provider right away.

Remember, if you can't remove the object easily the first time, get help. Also, if the person continues to have pain, discharge from the ear canal, problems hearing or feeling there is something lodged in the ear, see a health care provider.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Products and Services

A Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies

As an enthusiast and expert in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge regarding ear anatomy and the potential complications associated with foreign objects lodged in the ear. My extensive understanding is grounded in a diverse range of reputable sources, including medical literature and clinical guides.

The article you've provided from Mayo Clinic outlines the risks and consequences of leaving a foreign object untreated in the ear. It's crucial to note that the ear comprises three primary parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Each of these segments serves distinct roles in the intricate process of converting sound waves into signals that are transmitted to the brain.

For individuals with a foreign object in the ear, recognizing the symptoms is essential. While adults typically know when something is stuck in their ear, small children may not be aware of it. Common symptoms in children include ear pain, crankiness, or crying.

The article emphasizes the importance of seeking medical help under specific circ*mstances. If there is bleeding, severe pain, drainage, or signs of infection, immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary. Additionally, if the lodged object is identified as a battery, prompt professional assistance is advised. Attempting to remove the object more than once without success can lead to complications such as infection and damage.

The provided information also offers practical advice on safe methods for removing foreign objects from the ear. The use of tweezers is recommended for objects that are visible and can be easily grasped. Water can be used to wash out the ear canal, but caution is advised if there is a suspicion of a hole in the eardrum or if ear tubes are in place. Oil or alcohol is suggested for the removal of insects, with specific instructions on the tilting of the head and the types of oils to use.

The article draws on expert insights from various sources, including references to authoritative texts such as "Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine," "The Color Atlas and Synopsis of Family Medicine," and "Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care," among others. These sources contribute to the credibility and reliability of the information provided by Mayo Clinic.

In conclusion, the comprehensive advice given in the article is backed by a solid foundation of medical expertise and authoritative references. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals facing the potential complications of foreign objects in the ear, offering guidance on when to seek professional help and providing safe methods for removal.

Foreign object in the ear: First aid (2024)

FAQs

What is the first aid for a foreign object in the ear answer? ›

If the object is easy to see and grasp, gently remove it with tweezers. Use water. Only wash out the ear canal if you don't think there is a hole in the eardrum and no ear tubes are in place.

Read On ›

How to get a foreign object out of your ears? ›

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.

Discover More Details ›

What is the first aid for a foreign object? ›

Wash your hands and clean the area well with soap and water. Use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove the object. Use a magnifying glass to help you see better. If the object is under the surface of the skin, sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol.

How do you find a foreign object in your ear? ›

What are the symptoms of a foreign body in ear? Foreign objects in the ear may include the following symptoms: Pain, inflammation, and irritation: The skin in the ear canal and the eardrum is very sensitive. Any inflammation or injury is usually readily apparent due to pain or irritation.

See Details ›

What is the first aid of the ear? ›

Cover the injury with a sterile dressing shaped to the contour of the ear, and tape it loosely in place. Apply cold compresses over the dressing to reduce pain and swelling. If part of the ear has been cut off, keep the part. Get medical help right away.

Find Out More ›

What is the definition of foreign object in ear? ›

A foreign object in the ear can be anything in the ear canal (the tube that leads from the eardrum to the outside) that normally would not be there. A person may put something into the ear on purpose (such as a cotton swab), or by accident (for example, a small earring).

Tell Me More ›

Will an object in the ear come out on its own? ›

A foreign object cannot fall out from your ear on its own. It can stay in your ear until you do not remove it or get it removed. Small, inert foreign bodies, such as beads, can stay for 1-2 weeks in your ear without causing any complications.

Show Me More ›

Can hydrogen peroxide remove foreign object from the ear? ›

Irrigation is used to flush the object out with a small catheter. Chemicals , such as hydrogen peroxide or acetone, may be used to remove gum or superglue. Liquids , such as mineral oil, warm alcohol, or lidocaine may be used if the object is a live insect. These liquids will kill the insect so it can be removed.

Explore More ›

How do you massage something out of your ear? ›

A simple massage technique can sometimes be enough to remove an earwax blockage. Make gentle circular movements on the outside of the ear to soften the blockage, thus facilitating its removal. Once the massage is finished, pull the ear slightly backward, from the lobe to the upper part.

What is the first object of first aid? ›

Preserving life is the primary objective of doing first aid. This involves making sure that the injury is not a life-threatening one for the individual. It also involves calling ambulances as soon as possible and also performing CPR in extreme circ*mstances.

Show Me More ›

How do doctors remove a foreign object? ›

To remove the foreign body, doctors will use an endoscope. This is a long, thin tube with a light and camera. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and down the throat. Once the foreign body is located, the doctor can either push it out through the stomach or remove it with a special tool.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the first aid for foreign bodies in the eye? ›

If you get a foreign object in your eye

Wash your hands with soap and water. Try to flush the object out of your eye with a gentle stream of clean, warm water. Use an eyecup or a small, clean drinking glass positioned with its rim resting on the bone at the base of your eye socket.

See Details ›

What is the first aid for a foreign object in the ear? ›

Pour alcohol or warm, but not hot, oil into the ear. The oil can be mineral oil, olive oil or baby oil. The insect should float out. Don't use oil if you think there is a hole in the eardrum or if ear tubes are in place.

Get More Info Here ›

How do you treat a foreign object in your ear at home? ›

You can try to gently loosen the object. You could try tilting your head to the side. This might move the object so it falls out. If there's an insect in your ear, you could pour a little olive oil or baby oil into your ear.

What happens if you leave something in your ear? ›

If the object in your ear does not fall out on its own, you should seek medical attention. The sooner you seek help, the better, since an object left too long in the ear can lead to infection and damage to tissues in the ear, including the delicate eardrum.

What if something goes inside the ear? ›

If you think a child has an object in their ear, take them to see a doctor. If the object contains chemicals (like a button battery) or is a bean (which can swell) you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Objects commonly found in ears include: cotton buds.

View Details ›

What is the first aid for infected ear? ›

Warm compress for an ear infection

A warm compress can help reduce ear pain. Just a soak a washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess water and then hold it against the infected ear for up to 20 minutes. If the compress seems to help with the pain, reapply the compress throughout the day.

What medication is used for foreign bodies in the ear? ›

For most foreign bodies, no medications are needed. However, if infection or abrasion is evident, fill the ear canal 5 times/day for 5-7 days with a combination antibiotic and steroid otic suspension (eg, Cortisporin or Cipro HC).

Learn More ›