How to Care for Your Child With an Object Stuck in the Ear

Sometimes, when a young child puts something in their ear, it can get stuck. An object in an ear can be hard to remove. The health care provider used a special light to see the object in your child's ear but couldn't remove it. Your child needs to see an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat [ENT] doctor), who can remove it with special tools and a magnifier. Here’s how to care for your child at home until the ENT doctor removes the object.

• Schedule a visit with the ENT doctor to have the object removed.

• Carefully follow the instructions from the ENT doctor about when your child should stop eating and drinking before the visit.

• Don't clean the inside of the ear. Don't put anything inside the ear (including a cotton swab).

• Don't try to remove the object yourself (even if you can see it).

• If your child has pain and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.

• If the health care provider prescribed ear drops, use as directed.

• Your child has new or worse pain, bleeding, or drainage from the ear. 

• The ear is swollen or red.

• Your child puts something in the ear again.

• You think your child isn't hearing normally.

What happens when an object is stuck in the ear? The object causes irritation and swelling in the ear canal. It may cut the inside of the ear and cause a little bleeding. It may also make it hard for the child to hear from that ear. Button cell batteries (round flat batteries used in watches, toys, remote controls, and other devices) can cause serious burns inside the ear.

How can I prevent my child from putting something in their ear again? Keep small objects (such as batteries, magnets, beads, earrings, crayons, and small toy parts) out of the reach of children. Tell your child that they should never put objects in their nose, ears, or any other body opening because they can get stuck. Adults should watch kids when they're around small objects at home, daycare, and preschool.