What is an object in the ear?

Young children can put objects into their ears. Other objects can become stuck in your ear by mistake. If you think someone has an object stuck in their ear, take them to see a doctor.

If the object contains chemicals (like a button battery) or is a bean (which can swell), you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Objects that are sometimes removed from children's ears include:

• cotton buds
• hearing aid batteries
• covers from earphones or hearing aids
• stones or fruit pips
• folded paper
• insects or seeds
• beads or small toys

What symptoms are related to an object in the ear?

Symptoms can include:

• ear pain
• ear irritation
• a feeling of something in the ear
• hearing loss
• buzzing in the ear
• fluid from the ear

What causes objects in the ear?

Children might poke things like small toys or beads into their ears. They may want to see what it feels like or are just being curious. Sometimes another child might put something in another person's ear.

An insect might fly into your ear.

If your ear feels irritated, you might try to scratch it with an object which then gets stuck.

Do not put anything in your ear to get rid of an itch or irritation.

When should I see my doctor?

If the object does not fall out of your ear by itself, you will need to see a doctor or go to the hospital.

Get medical help if:

• your ear is painful
• there is a discharge from your ear
• you can't hear well anymore
• you feel like something is stuck in your ear

When to seek urgent care

You need urgent medical help if the object in your ear is:

• a battery
• an insect
• something sharp

How is an object in the ear diagnosed?

Your doctor will look inside your ears with a light while you stay very still. They will ask how your ears feel.

If a child has an object in their ear, the doctor will ask if anyone saw what it was.

If there could be a button battery in the child's ear, they might need an x-ray.

What is the treatment for objects in the ear?

There are some things you can try to remove an object in the ear yourself.

Don't poke anything else into your ear to try to remove it. This could cause more harm.

Self-care at home

You can try to gently loosen the object. You could try tilting your head to the side. The object might move and fall out.

You could try washing the object out with a little warm water.

If these methods do not work, you will need to see a doctor. Your doctor can remove the object with a special instrument.

Don't put a cotton swab or matchstick into your ear. You could push the object further in or damage your ear.

Medicines for an object in the ear

If you are in pain, get advice from a pharmacist or doctor about pain-relief medicines you can take.

If there's an insect in your ear, you or your doctor could pour a little olive oil into your ear. This might let the insect float out.

If you need to have an object removed from deep in your ear by a doctor, you may be given a medicine to keep you calm or make you drowsy.

If your ear becomes infected, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

Other things to do if you are waiting to see a doctor

While you are waiting to get medical help:

• keep your ear well protected so you don't damage it further
• don't stop any fluid that comes out of your ear
• don't try and get fluid out of your ear
• if your ear is bleeding, cover the whole ear with a clean pad or dressing

If there is discharge from your ear:

• gently wipe away any liquid or discharge using soft tissues
• throw used tissues away immediately
• wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of infection

If the object cannot be easily removed by your doctor, you should go to the closest hospital. The hospital emergency department can arrange for you to see an ear, nose and throat specialist if needed.

Can an object in the ear be prevented?

If possible, teach children not to put things into their ears.

Make sure children under 3 years old can't reach:

• batteries (especially small button batteries)
• needles and pins
• coins
• marbles
• pen tops
• polystyrene beads

You can also:

• choose toys that suit the age of your child — some toys have small parts that can be removed
• encourage older children to keep their toys away from younger children
• always supervise children under the age of 3 years — especially when they are in contact with small objects such as toys, foods or things in the garden

What are the complications of an object in the ear?

Complications of an object in the ear depend on:

• the object
• how long has it been in your ear
• if there is any damage to your ear

Objects in the ear can cause:

• pain
• deafness or muffled hearing
• discharge or swelling (if the object has been inside your ear for some time)
• an ear infection

Your ear may become infected, even after the object is removed. This is more likely if the object has been in your ear for a while. Infections can also happen if a part of the object stays in the ear.

Sometimes there is an extra object in the ear that isn't noticed. This could also lead to infection.

The symptoms of an ear infection are:

• pain
• bleeding
• deafness or muffled hearing
• fluid or discharge from the ear
• redness and swelling of the ear canal
• a temperature

Resources and support

Read more about battery safety.

You can call the healthdirect helpline for advice on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.