Foreign object in the ear : First aid-Conditions
What is Foreign object in the ear : First aid?
Foreign objects in the ear can be quite a nuisance and potentially dangerous if not addressed promptly.
They are objects that accidentally get stuck in the ear canal, causing discomfort, pain, and even hearing loss. Common examples of foreign objects in the ear include small toys, beads, insects, and even cotton swabs. It is important to understand how these objects can enter the ear and the potential risks associated with them in order to effectively address and prevent such incidents.
Symptoms of an item inside the ear
Symptoms can consist of:
ear pain
a sense of something inside the ear
lack of listening to
First aid
If you have a foreign object stuck in your ear, it can cause pain, infection, and hearing loss. Usually if you know there is an object stuck in your ear you will be aware of it. However, small children may not notice something as small as a foreign object stuck in their ears.
If something gets stuck in your ear, you should try to remove it.
Do not poke the ear with a tool such as a cotton swab or matchstick.You might push the object farther into the ear if you do not hold it gently.
If possible, remove the object.If the object can be easily grasped with tweezers, gently remove it. If the object is clearly visible and pliable, it can be removed this way.
Use gravity to help you.Try to dislodge the object by tilting the head to the side that is experiencing the problem.
Try using oil for an insect. If you find an insect on someone, tilt their head so that the ear with the insect is upward. Pour warm mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil into the ear. Don't use hot oil to remove an object other than an insect. If an ear tube is in place or if you think the eardrum may be perforated, use this method. Signs and symptoms of a perforated eardrum include pain and bleeding.
Try washing the object out.If you are irrigating an object out of a canal, use a rubber-bulb ear syringe and warm water. Do not irrigate if any ear tubes are in place or if you suspect the eardrum is perforated.
If these methods do not work or if the person experiences continued pain discharge from their ear canal, reduced hearing, or a sense that something is lodged in their ear, they should see a doctor.
- Emergency essentials : First-aid kits-Emergency health information
- First Aid : Types of first aid - First aid conditions