Objects in the nose

How is an object in the ear diagnosed?

Your doctor will look into your ear with a light.

How is an object in the ear treated?

Your doctor can remove the object with a special instrument. Children may need some medicine to make them sleepy to let the doctor do this.

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 the ear
• don’t try and get fluid out of the ear
• if your ear is bleeding, cover the whole ear with a clean pad or dressing
• if you are in pain, get advice from a pharmacy or doctor about pain relief medicines you can take

If there is discharge from your ear:

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

Can an object in the ear be prevented?

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

Make sure children under 3 years can’t reach:

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

You can also:

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

Complications of an object in the ear

Complications of an object in the ear depend on the nature of the object. It also depends on how long it’s in your ear and if there has been 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)

The ear can become infected, even after the object is removed.

Infection is more likely if the object has been in the ear for some time. Infection can also happen if a part of the object stays in the ear.

Sometimes there is an extra object in the ear that is not noticed. If it stays there for some time, it could also lead to infection.

The symptoms of infection are:

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