FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR
A foreign body in the ear is any unwanted, intruding object that is placed in the ear and that can cause harm without immediate medical attention.
- A large proportion of foreign bodies in the ear are seen in children because they have a high tendency to put objects in unusual places.
- Foreign bodies can either be in the ear lobe (the outer, soft, rounded fleshy part hanging from the lower margin of the ear) or the ear canal (a short tube leading to the eardrum).
- Foreign bodies found in the ear lobes may include earrings, either placed too deep during insertion or stuck in the lobe from infections.
- Foreign bodies found in the ear canal can include anything that a child mistakenly pushes into his/her ear such as buttons, small batteries, insects, toys, food, pieces of crayon.
- Foreign objects can be irritating, especially if it is an insect which is trying to find its way out of the ear and digging the ear cana.
- They can also bring infections into the body, cause inflammation, and obstruct passageway either by their size or the inflammation they cause.
- Ear wax is not a foreign body. However, it can accumulate in the ear canal and cause discomfort or decreased hearing just like most foreign bodies.
SYMPTOMS
Some foreign bodies may not cause symptoms while others can. If symptoms are present, they may include:
- Pain
- Drainage from the ear
- Bleeding
- Irritation
- Decreased hearing
- Buzzing in the ear in the case of insects.
WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE
In most cases, an issue of foreign bodies in the ear is not usually life-threatening. Usually, there is always time to call your regular doctor. The urgency of the situation is mostly dependent on the substance involved and its location.
- Batteries including button batteries found in toys and small devices can decompose enough in the body allowing chemicals to leak out and cause a burn.
- Food or plant material such as beans may require urgent removal because they can swell when they become moistened.
- If the object is causing dizziness, significant pain, discomfort or decreased hearing, an urgent examination may be recommended.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will examine both ear canals for foreign objects, look for live insects, any signs of infection or any bleeding.
TREATMENT
Removing the foreign body is usually the only treatment option. This should be done by a skilled physician to aovid complications. This can be done using the following techniques:
- Placing a few drops of mineral oil into the ear in case of live insects in the ear.
- Water Irrigation. This involves flushing warm water into the canal to irrigate the object out of the ear canal.
Patients who undergo uncomplicated removal does not need a follow up treatment. If any irritation or abrasion is sustained during the removal procedure, antibiotic drops may be recommended.
You risk pushing the objects deeper and damaging the ear if the ear is probed with a tool such as a cotton swab or matchstick. Do not try to do this,