Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, JR, MD, FACP, FACR
Foreign objects in the ear are common reasons for emergency room visits, especially in children. The vast majority of these foreign objects are harmless. Some, however, are extremely uncomfortable (insects or sharp objects) and some can rapidly produce an infection (food) requiring emergency treatment. If you are not certain of the potential for harm seek medical care immediately.
Most objects that get stuck in the ear canal are placed there by the patients themselves. Children who are curious about their bodies and interesting objects are the most common group who has this problem. Beads, food (especially beans), paper, cotton swabs, rubber erasers and small toys are the most common foreign bodies.
Ear wax is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal but can become a problem when it builds up to the point that it clogs the ear canal and causes hearing loss or pain. Overuse of cotton swabs such as Q-tips to clean the ear can actually push wax and skin cell debris further into the canal and pack it against the eardrum causing symptoms.
Insects can also fly or crawl into the canal. Usually this happens while sleeping on the floor or camping. This is often a frightening and dramatic event as the insect's buzzing and movement is very loud and sometimes painful.
Structure of the Outer and Inner Ear Canal
The skin in the ear canal and the eardrum are very sensitive. Any inflammation or injury is usually readily apparent.
However, in young children who are not old enough to verbalize their pain the diagnosis can be challenging. Redness, swelling or discharge (blood, inflammatory fluid or pus) are the main signs of injury to the ear. Small children will often scratch or rub the ear repeatedly.
In the case of earwax impaction, a "fullness" or pressure is often reported and a decrease in hearing on the affected side is noticed. In extreme cases, dizziness, nausea and vomiting or unsteady walking result from inflammation of the ear or build up of pressure on the eardrum causing dysfunction of their middle ear.
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