Objects in the ear

If a foreign object enters the ear and becomes lodged, it can cause damage to the ear canal, the eardrum and in some cases, cause temporary deafness.

The object should be left in the ear, unless it’s a living object such as an insect that could be removed by flooding the ear with tepid water. If this doesn’t work, then you must seek medical advice.

If you need to seek medical advice:

• Cover the ear with a sterile dressing, taking care not to put any direct pressure on the object
• Send the casualty to hospital