Foreign body removal from the ear is a common ENT procedure performed to safely extract objects that become lodged inside the ear canal. These may include small toys, insects, beads, cotton swabs, or other debris. Such foreign bodies can cause discomfort, hearing loss, infection, or even damage to the ear if not promptly removed by a trained specialist. The procedure is quick, safe, and performed using specialized ENT instruments under proper visualization.
Common signs and symptoms indicating a foreign body in the ear include:
Foreign objects can enter the ear canal due to various reasons, such as:
The ENT specialist examines the ear using an otoscope to locate the object and assess the condition of the ear canal and eardrum. Depending on the object’s size and location, removal may be done using suction, forceps, irrigation, or a specialized hook. For live insects, a few drops of mineral oil or lidocaine may be applied to immobilize or kill the insect before removal. The procedure is typically quick and painless, though sedation or anesthesia may be used for children or uncooperative patients.
To reduce the risk of foreign bodies getting lodged in the ear, consider the following preventive measures: