Having an insect or other small creepy-crawly enter your ear can be an unpleasant and frightening experience. You may feel movement, buzzing, scratching or pressure inside the ear, and it can be difficult to know what to do next.
The good news is that insects entering the ear canal are uncommon, and in most cases the insect can be removed by a healthcare professional.
If you think an insect has entered your ear, do not put cotton buds, tweezers, fingers or other objects into the ear to try to remove it. This can push the insect further into the ear canal or cause an injury to the delicate skin of the canal or eardrum.
What does it feel like when an insect is in your ear?
An insect moving inside the ear canal can produce some unusual sensations. You may notice:
- buzzing or scratching sounds
- a sensation of movement
- tickling or irritation
- ear pain or discomfort
- a blocked or full sensation
- reduced or muffled hearing
- anxiety or distress
The sensation can sometimes continue even after the insect has stopped moving or has left the ear. This may be because the skin of the ear canal has been irritated.
If you are unsure whether the insect is still present, have your ear examined to determine what is happening.
What should you do if an insect finds its way into your ear?
The most important thing is to remain calm and avoid putting anything in the ear. You could first try shining a light into the ear as the insect may come towards the light on its own.
Do not use cotton buds, hairpins, tweezers or other objects to try to retrieve the insect and don’t allow anyone else to try it either. This can cause trauma to the ear canal and may push the insect further inside, potentially causing an injury.
You can try gently tilting your head first so that the affected ear is facing downwards. In some situations, the insect may leave or fall out on its own.
You can also try dropping some olive oil into the ear to clear it. This will firstly kill the insect if it still alive (which will immediately stop any buzzing noise) and secondly it may help the insect to float out.
However, olive oil is not appropriate for everyone. If you have a known or suspected eardrum perforation, ear tubes or other ear problems, or you are unsure about the condition of your eardrum, it is better to seek medical advice rather than putting liquid into the ear.
Where should you go for help?
If you believe an insect is still in your ear, seek professional medical care.
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, this may include your GP, an emergency department or an appropriately trained ear-care professional.
If you are in Melbourne and require assessment of the ear canal, The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears can assess the ear and remove the insect and any remaining material using microsuction and aural care.
If the presentation requires medical assessment or falls outside the nurse’s scope of practice, you may be referred to the emergency department or another appropriate healthcare professional.
How is an insect removed from the ear?
Once the ear has been assessed, our Ear Nurses can determine if the insect is still present and where it is located.
Depending on the circumstances, removal may involve an appropriate instrument or microsuction. Microsuction uses gentle suction under direct visualisation to remove material from the ear canal.
The technique used will depend on factors such as the location of the insect, the condition of the ear canal and eardrum, the person’s age and ability to remain still, and whether there has been any injury.
Sometimes an insect may have already left the ear but small parts or other material remain. A thorough examination can help identify whether anything is still present. Your Ear Nurse can also assess the health of the canal and eardrum after removal of the insect.
What if the ear is sore after the insect is removed?
The skin lining the ear canal is delicate and can become irritated or sore following contact with an insect or from attempts to remove it.
You may experience some temporary discomfort or sensitivity.
However, ongoing or increasing pain should not simply be assumed to be irritation. The ear may need to be reassessed, particularly if there has been bleeding, discharge, hearing changes or other symptoms such as infection.
Foreign bodies in the ear can sometimes cause injury, swelling, discharge or infection, particularly if they have remained in the ear for some time.
When should you seek urgent medical attention?
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- significant or worsening ear pain
- bleeding from the ear
- discharge or fluid coming from the ear
- a noticeable change or loss of hearing
- dizziness or problems with balance
- significant swelling around or inside the ear
- a suspected injury to the eardrum
- an insect that cannot be removed
- Any child or adult who is distressed by an insect or blockage
What should you avoid doing?
It can be tempting to try several methods at home, particularly if you can feel something moving. However, inserting objects into the ear can make the situation more difficult.
Avoid:
- cotton buds
- tweezers or hairpins
- inserting your finger into the ear canal
- trying to scrape the insect out
- repeatedly flushing the ear
- using ear candles
- continuing to manipulate the ear.
The aim is to avoid causing additional irritation or injury while arranging appropriate care.
Can an insect damage your eardrum?
An insect in the ear canal does not necessarily mean that the eardrum has been damaged. However, movement within the canal, attempts at removal or an accidental injury can cause trauma.
If you have significant pain, bleeding, hearing changes, dizziness or discharge after an insect has entered your ear, the ear should be examined by an appropriate healthcare professional.
An examination can also provide reassurance if you are uncertain whether the insect is still present.
Frequently asked questions
Olive oil is compatible with the ear canal as the skin lining of the ear canal naturally contains oils to help maintain the condition of the skin. It can be used as long as there is no hole in the eardrum, or grommets. Olive oil can gently help to loosen any insect that may be stuck on the skin or eardrum and allow it to float up and out.
It is possible for an insect to leave the ear on its own, but you should not assume that it has left simply because you can no longer feel movement. If you continue to experience discomfort, buzzing, blockage or other symptoms, have the ear examined.
It is generally better not to insert tweezers or other objects into the ear canal yourself. You could injure the ear canal, damage the eardrum or push the insect further inside.
If the insect has definitely come out and you have no ongoing symptoms, further assessment may not be necessary. However, if you are unsure whether it has been completely removed, or you have pain, bleeding, discharge, hearing changes or other symptoms, seek professional assessment.
Need your ear checked?
If you think an insect or other foreign material may still be in your ear, professional assessment can determine what is present and whether removal is required.
The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears in Melbourne provide ear assessments and ear-care services, including microsuction.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual assessment or medical advice. If you are experiencing significant pain, bleeding, discharge, hearing loss, dizziness or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention.
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