What to Do When an Object is Stuck in Your Ears

When an object gets stuck in the ear, it usually happens without any warning. Playing, cleaning, or even putting on headphones or earplugs can cause a small object to get stuck in the ear. It can eventually lead to muffled hearing, pressure, and discomfort.

Some people try to remove the object on their own, but this approach might actually backfire. By following the right procedure, one can protect their ears from any further harm, and the ear will heal after the object has been removed. 

Remaining Composed and Evaluating the Circumstances

Panic is frequently the initial response when something becomes lodged in the ear. It’s an uneasy and occasionally frightening sensation, particularly if the object is causing pressure. The best first step is to stay calm. There is a greater chance of pushing the object deeper if you move too quickly or prod around in the ear. Clear thinking and decision-making are facilitated by taking a few deep breaths and concentrating on remaining motionless.

Thinking about the type of object that could be stuck in the ear is beneficial. For kids, it’s frequently tiny toys, food scraps, or beads. Adults may find that insects, cotton swab tips, or earplugs are the cause. Knowing what’s inside the ear can help determine whether additional care is required or if a hearing health professional can remove it with ease.

Things Not to Do If Something Is Stuck

Most people have an innate tendency to reach for something small and attempt to fish it out. Regretfully, this is among the worst things you can do. The object is frequently forced deeper inside when using fingers, cotton swabs, or other instruments, making removal more difficult and risky. Because of the delicate nature of the skin inside the ear canal, even mild prodding may cause irritation, bleeding, or infection.

Trying to clean the ear with water or oil without a doctor’s advice is another error. When wet, some materials, such as food or paper, can swell and worsen the obstruction. If there is pain, drainage, or a chance that the eardrum is damaged, liquids should never be used. Leaving the item alone until a hearing health professional can inspect it is always the safest option.

When to Get Expert Assistance

A doctor or hearing health professional should examine any object lodged in the ear, particularly if it is difficult to see or remove without the use of tools. In the event of pain, hearing loss, bleeding, or infection symptoms, prompt medical attention is required. Complications are less likely to arise the earlier it is treated.

Professionals can safely remove the object because they have the proper tools and lighting. The procedure usually only takes a few minutes. To lessen irritation and stop infection, medicine may be recommended if the ear canal is swollen or damaged. A professional evaluation guarantees that nothing is left inside the ear after removal, even if the discomfort seems slight.

Typical Items Located in the Ear

It’s pretty easy for small, everyday objects to get into the ear, especially for children. Adults usually end up with items that broke off accidentally, like a piece of an earplug or the tip of a cotton swab. When you’re sleeping, insects can even crawl into your ear.

Some of these items can be uncomfortable right away, while others might not be noticed until a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing occurs. No matter how tiny or innocuous an object appears, if it is not treated, it may cause infection, swelling, or problems with hearing. The safest course of action is always professional removal.

Acting to Preserve Hearing Health

Early action is important for anyone who wants to protect their ears when an object gets lodged in them. To resolve the situation, it’s best to avoid self-removal. Instead, get help from a hearing health professional. One can completely recover by monitoring any other residual discomfort or changes after removing the object. 

The best thing to do is to schedule a professional ear examination. Proper care is important for protecting hearing health in the future, regardless of the size of the object.