Foreign Body in Ear Symptoms

Introduction: Foreign body in ear

Often emergency rooms see people with objects stuck in their ears. From beads to beans, cotton swabs to even small insects, emergency room care has seen it all. Although a foreign body in the ear is not a critical condition, it sure needs immediate attention as soon as you notice the symptoms. In this article, we will talk about the types of foreign objects, common signs, prevention, treatment and the right time to visit a doctor.

Types of foreign objects that may enter the ear

• Food grains like beans or peas
• Paper
• Beads
• Stones 
• Cotton swabs
• Small shells
• Rubber erasers
• Marbles.

Symptoms of having a foreign body in ear

• A sensation of having something stuck in the ear
• Decrease in hearing
• Pain
• Vomiting 
• Nausea 
• Probability of bleeding.

If the object is not removed, then there is a possibility of infection that can result in the following:

• Intense pain that is unbearable at times
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Fluid or blood discharge from the ear.

Causes: Foreign body in ear

For children, playing with small objects that can easily enter the ears or playing on the sand or floor (usually a breeding ground for insects and flies) are some of the common causes.

For adults, living in an unsanitary environment, especially where flies and insects breed or using loosely packed cotton swabs to clean ears can be some of the common causes of an ear infection. There are several causes, and most of them are due to human negligence.

Foreign body in ear: When to see a doctor?

Generally, you should consult a medical professional when anything gets stuck in your ear. Having a skilled healthcare practitioner inspect the foreign object physically is important to prevent an ear infection.

• Limit the use of Q tips or cotton swabs.
• Make sure no foreign objects, such as insects or flies, enter your room, especially near your kids, as they can cause other ailments too.
• Avoid giving kids small items that are easy to ingest or put in their ears.

Home remedies

• Try lowering your child’s head to see whether the item will fall.
• Use tweezers to carefully remove the object from the ear.
• Before attempting to remove an insect that is still alive, kill it. Place a few drops of warm vegetable or baby oil in the ear.
• If you are certain that the eardrum is not damaged and your child’s ear is not tubed, try washing the foreign item off with a little lukewarm water.

Treatment by a medical professional

• Drops work effectively to treat these infections, but a test and prescription by a qualified medical specialist are required for effective recovery.
• The item can be taken out of the ear or nose using a suction machine.
• The foreign body can also be taken out via a retractor.
• Metal items are usually removed using magnets.

To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, India

If you have encountered a situation of having a foreign body in your ear, then it is advised to visit the emergency room. Avoid putting anything in the ear or attempting to forcefully remove the item, as well as pushing it any farther because it can damage the ear canal, which may affect the ability to hear.