- 1. Use a blade of grass
- 2. Use a few drops of oil
- 3. Clean with warm water or serum
- When to go to the doctor
When an insect enters the ear it can cause a lot of discomfort, causing symptoms such as difficulty hearing, severe itching, pain or the feeling that something is moving. In these cases, you should try to avoid the urge to scratch your ear, as well as try to remove what's inside with your finger or a cotton swab.
So, what should be done to remove the insect from the ear is:
- Keep calm and avoid scratching the ear, as it can cause more insect movements and increase discomfort; Observe if there is an insect inside the ear, using a flashlight and a magnifying glass, for example; Avoid removing the insect with swabs or other objects, as it may push the insect further into the ear; Tilt your head to the side of the affected ear and gently shake to try to get the insect out.
However, if the insect does not come out, other ways can be used to try to remove it from the ear.
1. Use a blade of grass
Grass is a very flexible material, but it has small protrusions on which insects cling. Thus, it can be used inside the ear without the risk of perforating the eardrum or pushing the insect.
To use the grass leaf, wash the leaf with a little soap and water and then try to place it under the insect's paws and wait a few seconds, then pulling it out. If the insect grabs the leaf, it will be pulled out, but if it remains inside the ear, this process can be repeated a few times.
2. Use a few drops of oil
Oil is a great option for when other attempts have not worked, as it is a way to kill it quickly, without the risk of being bitten or scratched inside the ear. In addition, as the oil lubricates the ear canal, the insect can slip out or come out more easily when you shake your head again.
To use this technique, place 2 to 3 drops of oil, olive oil or johnson oil inside the ear and then place the head tilted to the side of the affected ear, waiting a few seconds. Finally, if the insect does not come out on its own, try to shake its head again or move its ear.
This technique should not be used if there is a rupture of the eardrum or if there is a suspicion that there is a problem in the ear. Ideally, the oil should be at room temperature or slightly heated, but not enough to cause burns.
3. Clean with warm water or serum
This technique should only be used when it is certain that the insect is already dead, as the use of water can cause the insect to start trying to scratch or bite, causing damage to the inside of the ear, if it is still alive.
The ideal in this case is to use a PET bottle with a hole in the lid, for example, to create a jet of water that is able to enter with some pressure in the ear and clean what is inside.
When to go to the doctor
It is advisable to go to the emergency room when the symptoms are very strong or worsen over time, as well as if the insect cannot be removed using these techniques. The doctor may use special instruments to remove the insect without causing any damage to the inside of the ear.
In addition, if it is not possible to observe an insect inside the ear, but there is severe discomfort, an otorhino should be consulted to assess the possible causes and start the appropriate treatment, if necessary.
