Children sometimes place a foreign body, such as food, buttons or toys in their ear canal. Insects can also fly into the ear and get stuck.

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What are the signs and symptoms of a foreign body in the ear?

Some objects in the ear may cause no symptoms. If a child does have symptoms, they may include:

  • Pain or redness in the ear
  • Problems with hearing
  • Drainage from the ear

What causes a foreign body in the ear?

In most cases, children place an object in the ear themselves. Common items found in the ear may include:

  • Small toys
  • Buttons
  • Crayon pieces
  • Food
  • Small batteries

Insects may also get lodged into the ear.

How is a foreign body in the ear treated?

A doctor can remove the object from the ear using a number of techniques.  Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a foreign object in their ear. Once the object is removed, the doctor will assess the ear canal for any damage and determine if any other treatment is needed.