What are Foreign objects in the ear?
Sometimes, foreign objects get lodged in the ear canal. This is more common in children as at this stage, they are exploring and may put foreign objects into their ears (usually beads or round objects). Occasionally in an adult, an insect may enter the ear (Figure 1a-c). When this occur, the first thing to do is to drown the insect with oil (olive oil, mineral oil or baby oil). Do not try digging the insect out with a cotton bud or metal pick. This will agitate the insect, resulting in more discomfort and pain as it struggles to free itself.



