Foreign Body Removal (Ear)
Foreign body removal from the ear is a safe and quick procedure performed to remove objects accidentally lodged in the ear canal. Children are commonly affected, but adults too may encounter foreign bodies such as insects, earplugs, cotton swabs, or broken hearing-aid parts. Timely removal prevents pain, infection, and damage to the ear canal or eardrum.
What is Foreign Body Removal from the Ear?
Foreign body removal is the process of safely extracting objects or insects from the external ear canal using specialized ENT instruments. The procedure is usually painless and performed under direct visualization with an otoscope or microscope. Immediate medical attention prevents complications such as ear injury, bleeding, or infection.
Common Types of Ear Foreign Bodies
1. Insects
Small insects may enter the ear while sleeping or outdoors, causing buzzing, intense discomfort, or panic.
2. Beads, Grains, or Toys
Common in children who insert objects out of curiosity.
3. Cotton Swab Tips
Broken cotton buds may get stuck during ear cleaning attempts.
4. Earphone or Hearing Aid Parts
Fragments from devices may detach and get lodged inside.
5. Food Particles or Seeds
Hygroscopic materials (like beans) may swell, making removal challenging.
Symptoms of a Foreign Body in the Ear
Common Causes
Treatment: How Foreign Body Removal Is Done
The method depends on the type, size, and position of the object. Removal is performed gently to avoid ear canal injury or perforation of the eardrum.
1. Instrumental Removal
Forceps, hooks, suction devices, or curettes are used to carefully extract the object under microscope guidance.
2. Suction Technique
A soft suction device is used for small or fragile objects.
3. Irrigation
Warm water irrigation is used only for safe-to-wet objects — never for batteries or swelling materials.
4. Insect Removal
Insects are first immobilized using mineral oil or lidocaine, followed by gentle extraction.
5. Managing Complications
If there is bleeding, infection, or eardrum injury, appropriate medications and follow-up care are provided.
Prevention & Home Safety Tips
Why Choose Dr. Shrekha Padmakshan?
Dr. Shrekha Padmakshan ensures safe, painless, and precise removal of ear foreign bodies using advanced ENT tools and techniques, minimizing the risk of injury and restoring comfort quickly.
If something has entered your ear or your child’s ear, avoid attempting removal at home. Seek immediate ENT care for safe and effective treatment.