Thesymptoms of a foreign body in the ear vary depending on the object that has found its way into the external ear canal. If the foreign body has become wedged or loosened, there will be pain. If the eardrum is cut or damaged, bleeding may be visible. The most unpleasant symptoms occur when an insect enters the ear. In an attempt to get out, the animal moves its wings vigorously, which then hit the structure of the eardrum, causing a very annoying bang, noise and pain. Regardless of the type of foreign body, common symptoms will be a feeling of blockage, hearing loss, a spreading sensation and a humming noise.

What to do?

When we are able to visualise the foreign body in the external ear canal, we can try to gently remove it with tweezers. If it is an insect, the ear canal should first be flooded with liquid, preferably oily, and only after a while should we attempt to pull it out. If you cannot see the foreign body after gently pulling the ear lobe downwards and backwards, you should not look for the object "blindly". You should then go to a specialist - an ENT specialist. The doctor will visualise the foreign body with an otoscope and, depending on what he or she finds in the ear, will choose the appropriate method of removal. Foreign bodies that are round, hard and close the ear canal should be removed under visual control using an operating microscope. When the patient is an uncooperative child, short-term anaesthesia may be necessary. A foreign body that should be removed as soon as possible is a battery - as it can cause burning and necrosis.

Please note that any foreign body in the ear that you are unable to remove yourself should be checked by a doctor in order to avoid serious complications. A long-standing foreign body can cause inflammation of the skin of the ear canal, which will be associated with considerable pain and purulent discharge oozing from the ear. In extreme cases, necrosis of the ear canal can occur.

Removal of the foreign body in the vast majority of cases represents a complete cure. If an infection has developed, the doctor will prescribe appropriate medication and topical preparations and apply a suitable dressing. When the eardrum has been damaged, the ear should be protected to prevent water from entering it.

The only possible preventive measure is to remove small objects from the child's reach and to clean the ears carefully, cautiously and gently - preferably with suitable sprays rather than sticks. Widely regarded as preventative, inserting cotton wool into the ear does not prevent infection and can only cause discomfort.