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
What are the symptoms of an object in the ear?
The skin in the ear canal and the eardrum are very sensitive. Any
inflammation or injury is usually readily apparent.
However, in young children who are not old enough to verbalize their pain the
diagnosis can be challenging. Redness, swelling or discharge (blood,
inflammatory fluid or pus) are the main signs of injury to the ear. Small
children will often scratch or rub the ear repeatedly.
In the case of earwax impaction, a "fullness" or pressure is often reported
and a decrease in hearing on the affected side is noticed. In extreme cases,
dizziness, nausea and vomiting
or unsteady walking result from inflammation of the
ear or build up of pressure on the eardrum causing dysfunction of their middle
ear.
Next: When should I call the doctor for an object in the ear? »
- Vertigo - Learn about vestibular balance disorders including the symptoms caused by balance disorders, causes, how balance disorders are evaluated, and treatment
- 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
- Ear Wax - Learn about ear wax (cerumen) and how it protects the ear from damage and infections. Q-tips, twisted napkins, bobby pins, or other items should never be used to remove ear wax as this can lead to infection.
Latest Medical News
Hearing RSS