Ascent Ear Nose & Throat
Foreign Objects in the Ear
Younger children are particularly prone to accidental foreign body insertion in the ears due to curiosity and lack of cognitive development. Understanding your symptoms and seeking medical treatment promptly is vital, as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of foreign objects in the ear.
Comprehensive Services
Providing the highest standard of ENT care in Singapore and the region.
Accredited Specialists
Senior ENT surgeons with internationally-recognised fellowship training.
Convenient Locations
3 Clinics conveniently located in Orchard, Thomson, and Joo Chiat.
What Are Foreign Objects in the Ear?
Foreign objects in the ear are items or bodies present in the ear canal that is not naturally supposed to be there.
Common foreign bodies in the ear may include:
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Cotton swabs
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Beads
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Food
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Small buttons
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Insects
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Small toys
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Rubber erasers
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Small batteries
Diagnosis of Foreign Objects in the Ear
Your doctor may likely conduct a physical examination to check for symptoms such as pain or discharge from the ear. Furthermore, they may also use a special lighted instrument with a magnifier called an otoscope to examine your ear canals and check for any foreign objects stuck in the ear.
Common Causes of Foreign Objects in the Ear
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Frequent use of cotton swabs to remove earwax
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Insects flying or crawling into the ear canal
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Younger children accidentally placing small objects in the ear when playing
Common Symptoms of Foreign Objects in the Ear
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Pain
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Ear inflammation and irritation
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Hearing loss
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Impacted earwax
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Discharge from the ear, such as blood, inflammatory liquid or pus
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Redness or swelling
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Sheild Plan, or Medisave.
Please note: All three Ascent ENT clinics and all our doctors are recognized Prudential Panel providers, making it easier for Prudential policyholders to access specialist ENT care across our network. Please verify your specific plan coverage with Prudential before booking.
Complications of Foreign Objects in the Ear
- Ear inflammation and infection
- Hearing loss
- Fever
Treatment Options for Foreign Objects in the Ear
Treatment of foreign objects in the ear typically involves removing the object by gently pulling the back of the ear towards the back of the head and gently shaking it out.
If the item cannot be dislodged, medical attention may be required to remove the object, which includes using:
- A suction machine
- Modified tweezers, forceps or retractors
- Magnets (particularly for metal objects)
- Water irrigation and a small catheter to flush the ear canal and clean out debris
- Surgical methods
Visit Us Today
Our Clinic
Visit us at any of our 3 convenient locations in Singapore!
Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03/04/05
Singapore 228510 -
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Other Practice Locations
Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
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Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are foreign objects in the ear serious? When should I visit a doctor?
While most foreign bodies in the ear are not true medical emergencies, they may result in further complications if not removed. Materials such as insects or batteries should be removed as soon as possible to prevent swelling and infection.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Cannot manually remove the object or can only remove part of it
- Have hearing difficulties
- Are suffering from persistent ear discharge or bleeding
How to prevent foreign objects in the ear?
- Avoid sticking anything into your ears to clean them
- Go for regular ear cleaning annually
- Monitor your child and stop them from placing objects in their ears when playing with toys
