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Removal of Foreign Body in Ear, Child


Why is this procedure done?


Foreign bodies in the ear happen often in children. Children may put things like pebbles, food pieces, beads, small toys, and/or erasers into their ears. Sometimes, insects, alive or dead, may also be found in a childs ear. This procedure is done to remove a foreign body in your child's ear. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


A drug may be needed to relax or make your child sleepy before the procedure. If the foreign body in your childs ear is alive, such as an insect, it must be killed before it is removed. Drowning the insect in something like mineral oil most often does this. ‚  

What happens during the procedure?


Most often, the foreign body stays close to the opening of the outer ear. Treatment depends on the type of foreign body in your childs ear. ‚  
  • Irrigation ¢ ˆ ’ A syringe is filled with water or saline and placed into the ear canal. The fluid is slowly pushed into the ear until the foreign body is washed out. It may take a few tries before the object is removed.
  • Mechanical extraction ¢ ˆ ’ Once the location of the foreign body is found with an otoscope, a pair of forceps may be put into the ear canal to grasp the foreign body. The forceps are then gently taken out of the ear while holding the foreign body. A tool that has a hook or loop at the tip may also be used to take a foreign body from the ear.

Once the foreign body is taken out of your child's ear, your doctor will again look at the ear to make sure the object was fully removed. The doctor will also look for signs of injury to the eardrum and outer ear canal. ‚  

What happens after the procedure?


If there is any concern that a foreign body has caused damage to your childs middle or inner ear, your child will be sent to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

Helpful tips


  • If you cannot see an object in your childs ear, do not try to remove it.
  • Do not use cotton swabs or tweezers. You may push the object more into your child's ear or cause damage to the eardrum and ear canal.
  • The round part of the outer ear is called the pinna. By placing your child's affected ear down and gently pulling on the pinna, the foreign body may shift in the ear canal and fall out. If this method does not work, take your child to a doctor to have the object removed.

In most cases, a foreign body in the ear can be checked by a doctor. Get help right away when the object is: ‚  
  • Causing a lot of pain
  • Food or plant matter, which can swell when moistened like beans
  • A button battery, found in small toys, which releases chemicals that can cause a burn

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚  
http://www.entnet.org/healthinformation ‚  
American Family Physician ‚  
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1015/p1185.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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