When does a foreign body enter the ear?
This issue often occurs in children. Children are curious and like to explore by inserting objects, such as inserting small objects, into their ears. These objects can be food, small toys, pens, cotton, beads, batteries, stones, pills, fruit seeds, or insects.
What are the symptoms of a foreign body in the ear?
Pain.
Discharge from the ear.
Hearing weakness.
A feeling of an object stuck in the ear.
How to deal with a foreign body in the ear?
A foreign body in the ear can cause pain, infection, and hearing loss.
Avoid using cotton swabs or any other tools, as this could push the object further into the ear or cause damage.
If the object is visible and can be grasped, gently remove the object if possible.
Tilt the person's head so the affected ear is facing downward to help dislodge the object.
If the foreign body is an insect, tilt the person's head so the ear with the insect is facing upward. Do not use this method if there is pain, bleeding, or discharge from the ear.
If these methods do not succeed, contact emergency services or go to the emergency room immediately.
Emergency Numbers in the Gulf Countries:
- Oman: 9999.
- Saudi Arabia: 997.
- Kuwait: 112.
- Qatar: 999.
- UAE: 998.
- Bahrain: 999.
- Yemen: 195.