Summary about Disease
A foreign body in the ear refers to any object that is not supposed to be in the ear canal. Common examples include insects, beads, small toys, food particles, and cotton swabs. It can cause discomfort, pain, hearing loss, and potentially infection if left untreated. Prompt removal is crucial to prevent complications.
Symptoms
Ear pain (may be mild to severe)
Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
Hearing loss or muffled hearing
Itching or irritation in the ear canal
Drainage from the ear (may be bloody or pus-like if infection is present)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Dizziness (rare)
Cough (sometimes, due to vagal nerve stimulation)
Causes
Accidental insertion of objects (e.g., children putting small toys in their ears)
Insects entering the ear canal
Attempting to clean the ears with cotton swabs and leaving cotton fibers behind
Food particles entering the ear (e.g., during bathing or swimming)
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
Topical antibiotics: If infection is present, antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed. Examples include ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin or polymyxin B/neomycin/hydrocortisone.
Ear wax softeners/cerumenolytics: These may be used prior to attempting removal to soften wax around the foreign body. Examples include mineral oil, baby oil, or over-the-counter earwax removal kits.
Lidocaine: Topical lidocaine is used to kill insects prior to removal.
Is Communicable
No. A foreign body in the ear is not communicable or contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal: This includes cotton swabs, which can push foreign bodies further in or cause injury.
Supervise children: Keep small objects out of reach of children to prevent them from putting them in their ears.
Seek professional help: If you suspect a foreign body in the ear, do not attempt to remove it yourself, especially if it is deeply lodged or causing pain. See a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Protect your ears: Wear earplugs when swimming to prevent insects or other objects from entering the ear canal.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" associated with a foreign body in the ear. The symptoms persist until the foreign body is removed and any resulting complications (like infection) are treated.
How is it diagnosed?
Visual examination: A doctor will use an otoscope (a lighted instrument) to examine the ear canal and identify the foreign body.
History: The doctor will ask about the circumstances of the injury and any symptoms the patient is experiencing.
Tympanometry: A tympanometry is performed to check for middle ear fluid.
Timeline of Symptoms
Immediate: Pain, feeling of fullness, and potential hearing loss occur immediately after the object enters the ear.
Within hours: Irritation, itching, and potential inflammation may develop.
Within days (if untreated): Infection can develop, leading to drainage, increased pain, and potentially fever.
Important Considerations
Do not attempt self-removal if: The object is deeply lodged, causing pain, or you are unable to see it clearly.
Children: Be extra cautious when dealing with children, as they may be uncooperative and prone to injury.
Insects: If an insect is in the ear, tilting the head to the side and applying mineral oil or baby oil may help to float the insect out or kill it before professional removal.
Potential complications: Untreated foreign bodies can lead to ear infections, damage to the eardrum, or even hearing loss. Early removal and appropriate medical care are essential.