The unexpected sensation of an insect in your ear can be quite unsettling and uncomfortable. Many people experience a buzzing, rustling, or even a feeling of movement within the ear canal. As small foreign objects, including insects, can easily enter the ear canal, sometimes without immediate notice.
Attempting At-Home Removal
If you suspect an insect has entered your ear, remaining calm is the first step, as panic can worsen discomfort. You should try to confirm it is an insect, as other foreign objects or medical conditions can cause similar symptoms. Gently tilting your head to the side, with the affected ear facing downwards, and shaking it lightly may help dislodge the insect. Avoid vigorously manipulating or hitting your ear, which could cause injury.
Some insects are attracted to light, so holding a flashlight near the ear canal might encourage the insect to move towards it and out of the ear. If the insect seems to move deeper with the light, immediately turn it off. If the insect is still alive, you can try to suffocate it by pouring a small amount of warm (not hot) mineral oil, baby oil, or vegetable oil into the ear. This will kill the insect and make removal easier.
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing upwards and pour the warm oil into the ear. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the insect is dead. Then, turn your head to allow the oil and the insect to drain out. If the insect is already dead, flushing the ear with warm water using a rubber-bulb syringe can help wash it out. After removal, rinse the ear with warm water to flush out any remaining oil or debris.
Avoid inserting any objects into the ear canal, such as cotton swabs, fingers, tweezers, or other probing tools. Doing so can push the insect further into the ear, potentially damaging the eardrum or ear canal, leading to hearing loss, cuts, bruising, or infection.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
If at-home methods do not successfully remove the insect, or if only parts of the insect are removed, seek professional medical attention promptly. Persistent symptoms after attempting removal, such as continued pain, unusual discharge, bleeding, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, warrant evaluation. Sudden hearing loss or dizziness are also signs that require immediate assessment.
Individuals with pre-existing ear conditions, such as a known eardrum perforation, ear tubes, or recent ear surgery, should seek immediate medical help. Pouring liquids into an ear with a perforated eardrum can be harmful. For infants or young children, seek medical attention immediately, as they may not cooperate with home methods, increasing the risk of injury. A doctor has specialized tools, such as an otoscope, and instruments like suction devices or forceps, to remove the insect. In some cases, a local anesthetic like lidocaine may be used to kill a live insect before removal, and children might require sedation to ensure stillness during the procedure.