Foreign body in the ear
introduction
Foreign bodies in the ear are particularly common in children and toddlers.
The parents often notice this in passing and are then often very worried. In those affected, the stuck parts can cause specific symptoms such as hearing loss. Inflammation can occur if the foreign body remains in the ear canal for a long time.
Symptoms
The Leading symptom is this Foreign body sensation in the area of the ear canal. Due to the fact that the corresponding foreign body comes to rest in the part of the ear responsible for sound conduction, it can also lead to Hearing loss come to the corresponding page. Depending on the size and location of the foreign body, this symptom may not appear or it may even lead to a feeling of almost complete deafness of the ear.
If a foreign body remains in the ear canal unnoticed, it can lead to a Inflammation of the ear canal arise. Symptoms of this inflammation are Pain, swelling and Redness in the area of Ear canal and the auricle and Discharge from the ear. Here, too, the swelling in the ear can cause a Hearing loss arise.
What should I do if I have a foreign body in my ear?
As already mentioned, in the acute situation it is very important to remain calm so as not to act rashly in a panic. As a rule, small foreign bodies that do not penetrate the ear with force remain in the S-shaped course of the ear canal. The risk of complications in the form of injuries to the eardrum, middle or inner ear is therefore low. In order to avoid injury to the eardrum through improper attempts to remove the foreign body, tweezers or other instruments should be avoided by the layperson. Such attempts also make it possible to wedge the foreign body rather than loosen it.
If possible, the family doctor should then be consulted, who, with the appropriate experience, can remove the foreign body from the ear himself or refer it to an ear, nose and throat doctor.
A doctor should also be consulted if elongated objects such as branches or cotton swabs have penetrated forcefully and deeply into the ear canal, even if they have not remained in it. Because of the force and shape of the objects mentioned, it is possible that the eardrum or structures of the middle ear have been injured.
When do you have to see a doctor?
Parents can often remove larger objects themselves with their fingers, and the ears do not require follow-up care by the doctor.
If the object sits too deep in the ear canal, a doctor should be consulted directly, otherwise inflammation is possible. Attempts to remove the foreign body with tweezers or similar tools should be avoided, as an injury to the sensitive eardrum causes more damage than waiting a little longer for the foreign body to be removed.
Therapy - removal of the foreign body
To remove the foreign body from the ear, the ear canal can be rinsed by the doctor with warmed water. Furthermore, an attempt can be made to move the foreign body out of the ear by means of an inserted small tube by suction.
Another possibility is the use of instruments that can release the foreign body from its wedged position and move it towards the exit of the auditory canal. Among other things, so-called ear hooks are used here.
With children
In contrast to adults, for whom a foreign object usually ends up involuntarily in the ear, children can quickly find that they are inserted into the ear when playing with small objects. As a result, all kinds of objects, provided they are the right size, can come to rest in the ear as a foreign body in children.
Basically, the foreign body is removed by the doctor either by irrigation of the ear, suction or with suitable instruments.
Since it is necessary for the removal that the child moves his head as little as possible for a short time, it may then be necessary, in contrast to adults, to put the affected child under a brief anesthetic. Otherwise, the removal is often not tolerated.
It should also be borne in mind that the affected child may have inserted a foreign object not only into their ear but also into their mouth. If other symptoms develop immediately or after a short time, medical help must also be sought. In the case of constipation, an intestinal obstruction due to swallowing should be considered, in case of shortness of breath inhaling a foreign body. If shortness of breath occurs suddenly and is severe, the emergency services must be called immediately.
forecast
Foreign objects can usually be removed from the ear canal using the above methods. Once this is done, the problem is usually resolved. Potential injuries caused by the object in the ear canal can Pathogens penetrate the wounds and infect them. The consequence can then be an inflammation of the ear canal Pain, Redness and swelling can cause. This must then continue treated by the doctor but also heals without complications with timely therapy. Were that The eardrum or structures of the middle ear affected, this requires a further treatment. Fortunately, as mentioned, these injuries are rare in the case of non-forcible entry of small objects.
causes
In adults, foreign objects usually get into the ears by mistake. So can when cleaning the ear Cotton residue, or after wearing Earplugs Parts of this remain in the ear canal. Also insects can get lost in the ear canal without their own involvement and cause problems as foreign bodies if they do not find their way out again by themselves.
With the baby
Children explore their environment with all their senses and try everything out. Every now and then, various objects land in the nose or ears. Babies of a certain age like to stick small parts in their ears. As soon as they can grab small parts themselves, small toys should be out of reach of the baby.
Small foods, such as nuts or smarties, can also be affected. If the object cannot be removed by yourself, a doctor should be consulted.
diagnosis
The first step for the doctor is the description of the patient or their parents. Often this person comes and has already made the diagnosis himself, since he has noticed that a foreign body has remained in the ear. The doctor can then use a so-called otoscope or endoscope to assess the position and size of the foreign body.
The otoscope is an instrument that consists of an ear speculum and a light source. This allows the ear canal and eardrum to be seen. If the eardrum is injured by a foreign body that has penetrated, this can also be determined and the area of the middle ear also assessed. The endoscope, on the other hand, enables the same structures to be displayed by means of an inserted small camera.
The examinations mentioned are usually painless in the otherwise healthy ear, but can be perceived as uncomfortable. However, the structure of the ear can usually be assessed within seconds.
prophylaxis
Prevention is limited. One can take care of one Carry out ear cleaning with extreme careto prevent cotton residue from staying in the ear canal. You should also if possible do not use old and brittle earplugs, as this increases the risk of parts of it being left behind in the ear.
In the case of children, due to the existing risk of swallowing or inhaling, it is important to ensure that small children if possible no contact with small parts that can be inserted into body orifices. With older children you should at least still be vigilant, as objects can land in their ears or mouth during play.
