Objects or Insects in Ear
Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, JR, MD, FACP, FACR
Objects or insects in ear overview
Foreign objects in the ear are common reasons for emergency room visits,
especially in children. The vast majority of these foreign objects are harmless.
Some, however, are extremely uncomfortable (insects or sharp objects) and some
can rapidly produce an infection (food) requiring emergency treatment. If you
are not certain of the potential for harm seek medical care immediately.
What are causes of objects in the ear?
Most objects that get stuck in the ear canal are placed there by the patients
themselves. Children who are curious about their bodies and interesting objects
are the most common group who has this problem. Beads, food (especially beans),
paper, cotton swabs, rubber erasers and small toys are the most common foreign
bodies.
Ear wax is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal but can become a
problem when it builds up to the point that it clogs the ear canal and causes
hearing loss or pain. Overuse of cotton swabs such as Q-tips to clean the ear
can actually push wax and skin cell debris further into the canal and pack it
against the eardrum causing symptoms.
Insects can also fly or crawl into the canal. Usually this happens while
sleeping on the floor or camping. This is often a frightening and dramatic event
as the insect's buzzing and movement is very loud and sometimes painful.
Structure of the Outer and Inner Ear Canal
Next: What are the symptoms of an object in the ear? »
 |
 |
From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
|
|
- Vertigo (Dizziness and Vestibular Balance Disorders) - Learn about vestibular balance disorders including the symptoms caused by balance disorders, causes, how balance disorders are evaluated, and treatment Source:MedicineNet
- Otitis Media - Learn more about otitis media and how this acute or chronic middle ear infection, that mostly affects children, is caused, diagnosed and treated on MedicineNet.com Source:MedicineNet
- Ear Wax - Is the saying "never stick anything bigger than your elbow in your ear" an old wives tale? Find out how to take care of your ears and avoid unnecessary infection. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 8 more Objects Or Insects In Ear related articles ...
|
| |
|
Last Editorial Review: 10/10/2007
Specialty RSS
Ask the Experts
