Feeling something lodged in your ear canal is a common and often disquieting sensation, ranging from mild irritation to significant discomfort. Identifying the potential cause is the first step toward relief.
Common Culprits
Earwax (cerumen) accumulation is a frequent cause of feeling something in the ear. Excessive buildup or impaction can cause fullness or blockage. Hardened or dislodged earwax can press against the eardrum, creating a foreign object sensation.
Small foreign objects, particularly common among children, can enter the ear canal. These might include tiny beads, small toy parts, or fragments from cotton swabs. These can wedge against canal walls, causing a sensation of presence and pressure.
Insects occasionally enter the ear canal, especially during sleep or outdoor activities. Small insects like gnats, mosquitoes, or cockroaches can crawl into the ear. Their movements within the confined space can create a fluttering, buzzing, or scratching sensation.
Recognizing the Signs
Something in the ear often causes fullness or pressure. This sensation can be constant or intermittent, depending on the obstruction. Muffled hearing may also occur if the ear canal is partially or fully blocked.
Pain or discomfort can arise if the object or wax presses against the eardrum or irritates the canal lining. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing) might also be present, often from pressure changes or direct eardrum irritation. Other symptoms include itching, discharge, or a flapping sound, particularly if an insect is moving within the ear.
Safe Actions to Take
If earwax is suspected, gentle ear irrigation with warm water can help dislodge it. Using an eyedropper or small bulb syringe, introduce body-temperature water into the ear canal while tilting the head. After a few minutes, tilt the head to the opposite side to drain the softened wax. Alternatively, over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide ear drops can soften earwax for several days.
For small, non-sharp foreign objects, gravity can be effective. Tilting the head to the affected side and gently shaking it can help the object fall out. Avoid vigorous shaking, which could push the object deeper into the canal. If visible and easy to grasp, tweezers can be used cautiously.
If an insect is in the ear, pouring mineral, olive, or baby oil into the ear can suffocate it. The oil should be at body temperature to prevent dizziness. Once immobilized, the insect may float out or be more easily removed by a medical professional.
Avoid inserting cotton swabs, fingers, or any sharp instruments into the ear canal. These actions can push foreign objects or earwax deeper, potentially damaging the eardrum or ear canal lining. Such attempts can turn a minor issue into a more serious medical concern.
When Professional Help is Needed
Seek medical attention if symptoms like persistent pain, discharge, or bleeding from the ear develop. These signs can indicate infection or damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Consult a medical professional promptly for sudden, significant hearing loss.
If the object is sharp, a battery, or has penetrated the eardrum, immediate medical attention is needed. Batteries can cause chemical burns within the ear canal. If home remedies for wax or insects are ineffective after a few attempts, or if dizziness or severe discomfort occurs, seek medical help.
For infants and young children, any suspected foreign object in the ear should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, as home remedies can be risky and uncooperative movements may cause further injury. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like a perforated eardrum or ear tubes should avoid self-treatment and consult a doctor, as introducing liquids or attempting to remove objects could lead to complications.