Causes
In adults, foreign bodies usually get into the ear accidentally. When cleaning the ear, or after wearing earplugs, parts of the foreign matter may remain in the ear canal. Insects can also get lost in the ear canal without being involved and cause problems as foreign bodies if they do not find their way out again by themselves.
Children explore their environment with all their senses and try out everything. Occasionally, various objects end up in their nose or ears. Babies from a certain age like to put small objects into their ears.
As soon as they can reach for small parts themselves, small toys should be out of the baby’s reach. Small foods, such as nuts or smarties, can also be affected. If the object cannot be removed by yourself, a doctor should be consulted.
Diagnosis
The physician’s first point of reference is the description of the patient or his parents. They often come and have already made the diagnosis themselves, as they have noticed that a foreign body has remained in the ear. The doctor can then assess the position and size of the foreign body using a so-called otoscope or endoscope.
The otoscope is an instrument consisting of an ear funnel and a light source. It allows the ear canal and eardrum to be viewed. If the eardrum is injured by a foreign body that has entered the eardrum, this can also be determined and the area of the middle ear can be assessed.
The endoscope, on the other hand, allows the same structures to be visualized by means of an inserted small camera. The above mentioned examinations are usually painless in the otherwise healthy ear, but can be perceived as unpleasant. However, the structures of the ear can usually be assessed within seconds.
Prophylaxis
Prevention is limited. One can take care to clean the ear only very carefully to avoid cotton residues remaining in the ear canal. Also, if possible, you should not use old and brittle earplugs, as this increases the risk of parts of them remaining in the ear.
In the case of children, because of the already existing danger of swallowing or inhaling, it should be ensured that small children do not have any contact with small parts that can be inserted into body orifices. With larger children one should be at least nevertheless vigilant, since also with these in the play objects can land in ear or mouth.
