Foreign object in the ear: First aid

A foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss. Most often, you know if something is stuck in your ear. But small children may not be aware of it. Children may have ear pain and be cranky or cry.

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.

If there is bleeding, severe pain, drainage or signs of infection, seek help right away. Also, if you know the object is a battery, seek help right away.

To remove a foreign object from an ear:

• 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 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.
• 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 healthcare professional right away.

If you can't easily see the object and you've tried removing it more than once, stop and get care. Delays and failed tries to remove it can lead to infection and damage.

After you remove the object, if there's still pain, discharge from the ear canal, problems hearing or feeling there is something lodged in the ear, see a healthcare professional.