Home > Medical > First aid > Removing foreign objects 29 June 2005 Foreign objects in the ear How do you remove an object lodged in someone's ear? We show you how. 0 Pin It Assess Am I at risk of a stroke? » Join Parenting Forum » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Would you survive disaster? » Breathe for me Become an organ donor Children may put objects into the ear canal. Small children may not realise that something is in the ear. Sometimes insects crawl into the ear canal. An embedded object may cause pain, hearing loss or injury to the eardrum. Home treatment Tilt the person's head to the affected side. Straighten the ear canal by pulling the ear lobe upwards and backwards. Shake the head gently in this position. A soft object which is clearly visible and within grasp, may be withdrawn carefully with tweezers. Don't use this method if the person cannot keep still. Never use an ear bud, match or similar object as this will push the object in deeper and may cause damage to the eardrum. If a live insect is lodged in the ear (the person may hear the buzzing), pull the lobe backwards and upwards so as to straighten the canal. Shine a light into it. The insect might crawl out towards the light. If this is unsuccessful, pour warm (but not hot) mineral oil, olive oil or baby oil into the ear. The insect should suffocate and wash out with the oil. Don't use oil if you suspect that the eardrum has been perforated, or if the object is not an insect. See your doctor if: you cannot remove the object. there is pain or fever, bleeding or discharge from the ear. The eardrum may have been perforated. pain or reduced hearing continues. More in Medical Removing fishhooks More: First aidRemoving foreign objects advertisement Get a quote Selfmed - the one with the apple Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... Other news Diet and nutrition Diet drinks 'as bad as meth addiction' Diet and nutrition Purple tomatoes more ‘tasty and healthy’ Medical Type 2 diabetes progresses faster in kids Mental health The science behind the itch Fitness Exercise should be core subject at school Medical Losing weight may ease heartburn From our sponsors Hill's Science Plan Canine Mini range What is Diabetic Neuropathy? There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Live healthier Be vitamin-smart » A-Z of vitamins What is vitamin C? Ask the expert Why we need vitamin D Even in a country with an abundance of sunlight you might have a vitamin D deficiency. Here's why. Beat acne » Stars with scars Acne tips Skincare Myths about acne Through the ages, there have been many myths about acne. We list the myths and give you the facts.
0 Pin It Assess Am I at risk of a stroke? » Join Parenting Forum » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Would you survive disaster? » Breathe for me Become an organ donor Children may put objects into the ear canal. Small children may not realise that something is in the ear. Sometimes insects crawl into the ear canal. An embedded object may cause pain, hearing loss or injury to the eardrum. Home treatment Tilt the person's head to the affected side. Straighten the ear canal by pulling the ear lobe upwards and backwards. Shake the head gently in this position. A soft object which is clearly visible and within grasp, may be withdrawn carefully with tweezers. Don't use this method if the person cannot keep still. Never use an ear bud, match or similar object as this will push the object in deeper and may cause damage to the eardrum. If a live insect is lodged in the ear (the person may hear the buzzing), pull the lobe backwards and upwards so as to straighten the canal. Shine a light into it. The insect might crawl out towards the light. If this is unsuccessful, pour warm (but not hot) mineral oil, olive oil or baby oil into the ear. The insect should suffocate and wash out with the oil. Don't use oil if you suspect that the eardrum has been perforated, or if the object is not an insect. See your doctor if: you cannot remove the object. there is pain or fever, bleeding or discharge from the ear. The eardrum may have been perforated. pain or reduced hearing continues. More in Medical Removing fishhooks More: First aidRemoving foreign objects