Foreign Object in the Ear or ... Health Article

Children may put objects into their nose and ears as part of their exploration of the world. Unfortunately, these items can injure fragile tissue and may be hard to remove. A foreign object in the nose can cause infection and affect breathing. An object in the ear may puncture the eardrum or lead to hearing loss.

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

If you can't see or easily grasp the object, call your pediatrician or go to the emergency room. Avoid poking the object with cotton swabs or other tools. This may cause further damage.

What to Expect in the ER

The doctor will examine your child's nose or ear using a lighted instrument. A speculum may be used to widen the opening to the ear or nose. Removal of the object will depend on the object and its location. Your child may be asked to expel an object from the nose with hard blowing. To remove an object, your child is given local anesthetic to block pain. Then, the doctor removes the object with a tiny clamp or hook. A gentle stream of water may dislodge an object in the ear. If the object cannot be removed by these means, the doctor may use suction or a small hook. In that case, general anesthesia may be given to your child to help him or her "sleep" through the procedure.

Follow-up

After removal, call the doctor if you notice signs of infection, such as:

• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)

• Redness or swelling

• Pain

• Pus draining from the nose or ear