Foreign Object In The Ear - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

• Any outside object lodged inside ear canal
• Not dislodged easily
• An 'Otoscope' is used to identify object

Causes

• On purpose, e.g. a cotton swab used for cleaning
• Accidental, especially among children
• An insect that may have crept into the ear

Symptoms

• Feeling of uneasiness/ discomfort
• Pain
• Dizziness
• Infection
• Discharge/blood oozing from ear
• Dry cough, occasionally
• Insect may bite/cause tickling sensation

Treatment

• If object is protruding, use tweezers to remove 
• If object is small, shake head with ear facing downward
• If it is insect, turn head to place affected ear upward
• Place few drops of mineral oil/baby oil inside ear
• Flush the insect out using clean water
• Use oil only in case of insect
• Otherwise it may lead to swelling
• Seek medical help if required

Steps to Avoid

• Do not push your finger into the ear
• Do not strike the head to dislodge object
• Do not shake a child to remove object
• Do not try to remove object on your own
• Do not block any discharge from ear
• Do not try to clean the ears

Consult a doctor 

• If the object is not soft
• If the object cannot be removed easily

Prognosis

• There may be no problems once object is removed
• Trying to remove object may tear the ear drum
• This may lead to hearing loss

Prevention

• Avoid using objects like tissues/ tooth pick to clean ears
• Do not place anything inside ear without consulting doctor
• Monitor children's actions