You or your child has an object in the ear canal. It may have been removed today by the healthcare team. A foreign body in the ear can lead to irritation. Sometimes this can cause infection in the ear canal. If the healthcare team was not able to remove the object today, you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT, or otolaryngologist) for follow-up care.
Home care
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If prescription ear drops have been given, use these as directed. Don't get water in your ear for the next 5 days. (Don't go swimming for 5 days.)
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Use over-the-counter pain medicine as directed. You may use acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen to control pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or if you have ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider or seek medical care right away if any of these occur:
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Ear pain, itching, or discharge
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Redness or swelling of the outer ear
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Blood or fluid draining from the ear
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Persistent hearing loss
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Related Articles
Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose, and Throat
Children usually place things in their ears because they are bored, curious, or copying other children. Some objects may cause no symptoms, but other objects, such as food and insects, may cause pain in the ear, redness, or drainage.
Foreign Object in the Nose
A foreign object in the nose can cause swelling and difficulty breathing through the nose. In some cases, an object in the nose may lead to an infection.
When Your Child Has an Object in the Ear or Nose
Small children tend to put objects, such as food or toys, in their ears or nose. These objects can get stuck. This can lead to infection or problems with hearing or breathing.
External Ear Infection (Child)
An infection in the ear canal is usually caused by bacteria or fungus. It can occur if water gets trapped in the ear canal.
