In this Article

• Objects or insects in ear overview
• What are causes of objects in the ear?
• What are the symptoms of an object in the ear?
• When should I call the doctor for an object in the ear?
• How is an object in the ear diagnosed?
• How is an object in the ear treated?
• What are some other types of ear emergencies?
• Objects Or Insects In Ear Glossary
• Objects Or Insects In Ear Index

What are some other types of ear emergencies?

• Ruptured tympanic membrane (eardrum) can be a result of foreign bodies, middle ear infection or pressure trauma to the ear. Often the patient feels pain, notices a thin bloody discharge from the ear and has a decreased sense of hearing. If you experience these symptoms and think your eardrum may be ruptured or damaged seek medical care. Do not place cotton swabs, liquids, or other objects in ear.
  
  
• Acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear) is an infection of the outer ear canal that is usually caused by irritation of the canal skin that is then made worse by water remaining in the canal after swimming or bathing. Cellulitis (skin infection) causes the ear canal to turn red and swell. The ear becomes very painful and a thin yellow (infected pus) fluid comes out of the canal. The infection can spread to the side of the face or the lymph glands in the neck. Treatment of swimmer's ear includes antibiotic drops and, when more severe, antibiotics by IV or mouth.
  
  
• Ear wax impaction is usually a harmless cause of decreased hearing. Wax is formed in the ear canals naturally. Patients who over-aggressively clean their ears with cotton swabs can push wax further into the canal, impacting (compressing) it against the ear drum. Over-the-counter products, like carbamide peroxide (Auro, Debrox, Murine Earwax Drops) can be used to clean the ear regularly. If the wax impaction is causing pain, decreased hearing or dizziness, a doctor can irrigate (flush) the wax out of the ear gently with warm water and peroxide.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• 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.

Read more Objects Or Insects In Ear related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.