When a foreign body object is stuck in the ear, people tend to ignore it thinking it might resolve on its own. However, the long-term stay of any foreign object in the ear canal can cause discomfort, pain, and infections. Therefore, it is necessary to remove it as soon as you notice any symptoms.
This can save you from permanent ear damage and hearing loss. Is it okay to remove a foreign object from the ear at home? When to see a doctor? Is it okay to leave the object in the ear? Let’s answer all these queries one by one.
Foreign Object in Ear Symptoms
How to know when a foreign object is in your ears? When there is a foreign body in your ear, irritation and pain occur most commonly. If the object goes undetected for days, it can also lead to an ear infection. There can also be a sensation of fullness, discomfort, inflammation, and bleeding in the ears.
These symptoms depend upon the location and type of foreign body. The deeper the object is, the more worrisome it is going to be. Moreover, sharp objects can cause bleeding while a living insect can be a reason for infection or inflammation in the ear.
Is a Foreign Body in the Ear an Emergency?
Most foreign bodies are not an emergency but they can turn into one if the symptoms are severe. The urgency of foreign body removal depends upon the type and location of the foreign body in the ear.
For instance, if there is an insect that bites then you need to go to the doctor immediately for its removal. Moreover, if you suddenly start feeling severe pain or there is pus or blood discharge in the ear, seek medical help without delay. Button batteries usually do not hurt but their decomposition can cause chemicals to leak in your ear. So, the removal of any kind of batteries also comes under emergency.
How Long Does a Foreign Object Stay in Your Ear?
Most foreign bodies remain lodged in the ear for 1-2 weeks. This duration can vary depending on the size, type, and depth of the foreign body. Inert and small foreign bodies remain in the ear for longer periods. On the other hand, larger ones can be detected earlier and removed quickly.
In addition, the deep foreign bodies are more likely to stay in the ear for a longer time. If you prefer a sedentary lifestyle, this time is going to be even longer. Prolonged stay of these foreign bodies in the ear results in ear infection, eardrum puncture, difficulty in removing the object, and even hearing loss in some cases.
How to Remove a Foreign Object from the Ear at Home?
We usually opt for toothpicks, cotton buds, and any small object that fits their ears for foreign body removal. However, this practice is not recommended because all these methods push the object deeper making the situation worse. You can try an at-home camera equipped with tools like BeBird Note 5 Pro for safe and effective foreign object removal.
It can help you visualize the depth of the object and the precise tweezers can help you grasp the object accurately. The 10 Megapixel camera gives you a clear view of the ear which can be saved for later. Additionally, its app allows you to connect to a healthcare professional who can assess your ear health and diagnose the problem.
Hence, you can get your detailed examination and foreign body removal done at home using this amazing tool. How to use it?
- First, download the app either by scanning the given QR code or searching it on Google or the app store
- Open the device cap to connect the WIFI to your phone. You will see the “Bebird-xxxxxx” option. Click it to connect the app and phone
- Go to the app on your phone and click the “Use” button for using the tweezers
- The ring located on the device’s body is rotated/compressed to open and close the tweezers
- You can also apply Q-tips in place of a tweezer and switch to ear spoon mode for ear wax cleaning or examination of ears only
Keep in mind that if you start feeling pain or notice any bleeding while using the device, immediately stop. Also, do not push the device forcefully into your ears. This can rupture the ear structures and cause problems in hearing.
Potential Complications and Aftercare
While attempting for self-removal of foreign body, one needs to be very careful and diligent throughout the procedure. A little mistake can cause complications. These complications are mostly noticed a few days after the removal. The following are some possible risks:
- Infection: Infections might occur due to the presence of foreign body remains in the ear especially if it is organic matter
- Injury: An injury to the external canal might occur causing bleeding, edema, or laceration
- Tympanic membrane perforation: It can occur if the foreign body is mistakenly pushed inside or the foreign body removal device is forcefully inserted into the ear
Therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor your ear health regularly with a camera-equipped device. This can help in early detection of any complication and treat it timely.
Conclusion
When a foreign body enters the ear, it can cause infection, eardrum rupture, inflammation, and bleeding depending upon the type. An insect might continuously bite your ear and cause extreme pain.
So, get your ear examination done by a professional as soon as you notice something strange about your ear. You can also examine the ear by yourself at home using BeBird Note Pro 5. It also has strong precision tweezers to grasp and remove the foreign body easily.