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 Is Foreign Body In the Ear?
Foreign bodies in the ear are objects in the ear canal that are not naturally supposed to be there. Younger children are particularly prone to accidental foreign body insertion in the ears due to a lack of cognitive development and curiosity.
Common foreign bodies in the ear may include:
-
Cotton swabs
-
Beads
-
Food
-
Small buttons
-
Insects
-
Small toys
-
Rubber erasers
-
Small batteries
What To Expect Afterwards?
Once the foreign body is removed from the ear, your doctor will advise you on how to care for your ear during recovery. If there is an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection and other symptoms.
Why Do You Need to Remove Foreign Body In the Ear?
Foreign objects in the ear canals can result in hearing difficulties and ear infections. Button batteries, such as those found in watches, are particularly concerning as they can cause severe injury to the ear canals and tissues, with a high risk of developing a perforation (hole) in the ear.
What Are the Signs of a Foreign Body in the Ear?
-
Ear pain
-
Ear inflammation and irritation
-
Hearing loss
-
Impacted earwax
-
Redness or swelling in the ear
-
Ear discharge, such as blood, inflammatory liquid or pus
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.
What Happens During the Removal Of Foreign Body In the Ear?
Before removal, your doctor will likely examine the inside of your ear canals by inserting a special lighted instrument with a magnifier, also known as an otoscope. This allows them to have a clearer view of your ear passages and locate the position of the foreign body.
In younger children, removal of the foreign body in the ear may be performed under general anaesthesia as it may be difficult for them to keep still throughout the procedure. On the other hand, local anaesthesia is generally used in adults.
Some common removal methods include using a suction machine, modified tweezers or forceps (grasping tools), water irrigation, and magnets (for metal objects).
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
-
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03/04/05
Singapore 228510 -
-
Other Practice Locations
Parkway East Medical Centre
-
319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
-
-
Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
-
820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
-
-
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I visit a doctor to remove foreign bodies in the ear?
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
Should I remove the foreign body myself?
If the object is visible or partially out of the ear, you should try to remove it with your fingers or tweezers. Avoid using cotton swabs as they may push the object further into the ear.
For objects that are deeper in the ear canals, try to gently pull the back of your ear towards the back of your head and gently shake it out. This will straighten the ear canal, making it easier to dislodge the object if it is small enough.
However, if the object is difficult to remove or if you are concerned about how to remove it, you should visit a doctor immediately to get professional help.
