Discovering an object lodged in your child’s ear may not typically be a cause for alarm, but if left untreated, it can potentially lead to ear trauma and subsequent hearing loss. Thus, it’s helpful to know what to do if you discover your child has something stuck in their ear.
Common symptoms like crying, irritability or ear pain can indicate that your child has something stuck in their ear, especially if they are too young to express it verbally.
Removing the Object
Knowing what actions to take upon identifying an object in your child’s ear is essential. In some cases, you might be able to safely extract the item yourself.
Here are some methods to remove an object from the ear:
- Tweezer use: If the object appears easily removable, employing tweezers can be an effective solution.
- Water flushing: Utilizing a bulb syringe filled with warm water can aid in dislodging the item from the ear canal.
- Oil flushing: If the foreign object is an insect, a gentle flush using a warm (not hot) baby, olive, or mineral oil can coax the insect out. Ensure the child’s head position allows the affected ear to face upwards during this process. Remember to avoid using water or oil if your child has ear tubes. Should there be any signs of eardrum perforation, such as bleeding, discharge, or ear pain, seek immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Certain situations require professional medical intervention rather than trying to remove the object yourself.
Medical help should be sought if:
- The object remains lodged after your first attempt. Repeated efforts could push the object deeper into the ear.
- The object is not visible.
- Your child exhibits signs of drainage, bleeding or expresses pain.
- The object is a battery, which can leak harmful chemicals and must be removed by a medical professional.
Experiencing an object stuck in the ear can be distressing for your child. However, a composed approach can ensure the item is safely removed by either you or a healthcare professional, and your child can resume their fun activities at Bringhurst City Park swiftly.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to Red River ENT Associates.
