If left untreated, a foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss.
Parts of the ear
Parts of the ear
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.
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Oct. 08, 2022
- Auerbach PS, et al., eds. Ear, nose and throat emergencies. In: Field Guide to Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 18, 2022.
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- Fowler GC, et al., eds. Removal of foreign bodies from the ear and nose. In: Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 19, 2022.
- Isaacson GC, et al. Diagnosis and management of foreign bodies of the outer ear. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 19, 2022.
- Tintinalli JE, et al., eds. Ear and mastoid disorders in infants and children. In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 9th ed. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Aug. 18, 2022.
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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.
