Article by Hearing Partners, contributed by Puteri Natasha, Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners
Finding an insect in your ear can be incredibly distressing, but it is more common than you think, especially during outdoor activities like camping. This can also happen indoors when insects crawl into your ear while you’re asleep or lying down. Once inside, they may become trapped, causing discomfort and injury to your ear canal.
Knowing how to respond calmly is crucial, as this situation can result in buzzing sounds in your ear, pain and bleeding. In more serious cases, it can cause a ruptured eardrum, potentially leading to hearing loss.
In this article, we’ll cover the common insects that may find their way into your ear, the symptoms to watch out for, and some safe removal methods to help you handle the situation. We’ll also cover how to prevent insects from entering your ear and some frequently asked questions about this topic.
Insects That May Get in Your Ear
Some insects may find their way into your ear canal while seeking warmth or moisture, and can become trapped inside. Here are a few common examples:
- Ants: Small and often drawn to moisture, ants can easily enter the ear when sleeping or camping outdoors.
- Flies: Attracted to moisture and warmth, flies can accidentally fly into the ear canal.
- Cockroaches: These insects are often found indoors and can enter the ear when you’re asleep.
- Spiders: Spiders might enter the ear when seeking dark, sheltered spaces to moult.
- Moths: Moths may inadvertently enter the ear when seeking a dark resting place.
- Mosquitos: Drawn to warmth and the scent of human skin, mosquitoes can occasionally fly into the ear.
- Bed bugs: Although rare, bed bugs might crawl into the ear, particularly in infested environments.
Symptoms of Insects in Your Ear
If an insect enters your ear, you may experience several symptoms. Recognising these signs can help you respond quickly and appropriately. For adults, look out for these symptoms:
- Sudden ear pain or discomfort
- Sudden irritation in the ear canal
- Tickling or crawling sensation
- Swelling of the ear canal
- Buzzing or fluttering sound
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Discharge from the ear (e.g. blood or clear fluid)
Children might not be able to identify if there is an insect in their ear, so look out for signs like rubbing or scratching of the ears and the child becoming fussy because of the pain. This might be a sign of an insect in their ear. When in doubt, visit your nearest doctor for a professional diagnosis.
What to Do If an Insect Gets into the Ear
If you think an insect has entered your ear, the most important thing is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to sudden movements or actions that might push the insect further in or cause injury. This section covers some home remedies and actions you can take if you suspect an insect in your ear.
Tilt and gently shake your head
Tilt your head down on the side of the affected ear and shake gently to try to dislodge the insect. This should be the first course of action, as it’s the least invasive and might successfully get the insect out of your ear without causing much harm.
Shine a torch outside your ear
If tilting and shaking your head doesn’t work, try shining a light outside your ear in a darkened room to help draw the insect out. Many insects (e.g. flies and moths) use light for orientation and might move towards the light source.
Drip some oil into your ear canal
Dripping over-the-counter ear oil or a small amount of vegetable oil into your ear canal will usually kill the insect. Once the insect is dead, drip warm water into the ear with a syringe and tilt your head downwards on the affected side to allow the water and the insect to flow out of your ear.
If you have a history of a ruptured eardrum, ear surgery or ear cancer, avoid using this method as it can result in complications.
Use warm water to flush your ear canal
Using a syringe, gently flush the ear with warm water. After that, tilt your head downwards on the affected side to make it easier for the insect to exit.
See a doctor
If you’re unable to remove the insect after trying the above home remedies, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will safely remove the insect without injuring your ear canal.
During the procedure, your doctor will use an otoscope to examine the ear and identify the insect. If the ear oil used in the home remedy hasn’t killed the insect, your doctor may use an anaesthetic to numb it before removal. Subsequently, they may use forceps, a gentle suction device, or flush the ear canal with warm water to remove the insect. In some cases, especially with children, sedation may be necessary.
If you experience symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling of the ear canal, hearing loss, or signs of infection such as pus, increasing pain or fever, seek immediate medical attention as this could be a sign of serious injury to the ear canal.
What to Avoid When There Are Insects in Your Ear
Knowing what not to do when an insect enters your ear is just as important as knowing the correct actions to take. Certain actions can worsen the situation, increasing the risk of injury or infection.
Don’t use cotton buds or ear picks
Using cotton buds or ear picks can lead to several complications:
- They can push the insect further into the ear canal, increasing the risk of damage to your eardrum.
- Inserting these objects into the ear may injure your ear canal, leaving it more susceptible to infections, especially if an insect is already present.
- Crushing the insect with these tools can make it difficult to remove completely. Although rare, parts of the insect left behind in the ear canal can lead to an ear infection.
Don’t pour hot water into your ear canal
Attempting to flush the insect out using hot water can cause more harm than good. Hot water can damage both the eardrum and the ear canal, and it may drive the insect deeper inside. Moreover, extreme temperature changes in the ear canal can trigger dizziness and other symptoms, which may further complicate the situation.
How to Prevent Insects From Entering My Ear
While it’s not always possible to avoid encounters with insects, especially during outdoor activities, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of insects entering your ears. Examples include:
- Using earplugs when sleeping, especially when camping or sleeping outdoors.
- Keeping your house and sleeping area clean to prevent insects from breeding.
- Using mosquito nets and repellents when sleeping outdoors or in areas prone to insect activity.
FAQs About Insects in the Ear
Can ants get in my ear?
Yes, ants can get into your ear. While they’re generally harmless, their presence can cause discomfort or irritation. If an ant enters your ear, you can remove it by dripping ear oil into your ear canal or using warm water to flush it out. These methods should help dislodge it safely.
Can insects lay eggs in my ear?
Insects that enter the ear usually die quickly due to the environment inside the ear canal. Hence, it’s unlikely for them to lay eggs in your ear.
Are children more susceptible to insects in the ear?
Both adults and children are equally at risk of insects entering their ears. However, it can be more difficult for children to express the discomfort caused by this situation. Parents should look for signs like rubbing or scratching the ears and becoming fussy, as these may indicate pain or irritation from an insect.
Can I leave a dead insect in my ear?
It’s best to remove a dead insect from your ear as soon as possible to avoid potential complications, such as inflammation or infection. Try to remove it using ear oil or warm water, or see a doctor.
Can insects cause permanent damage to the ear?
Insects in the ear are generally harmless and can cause temporary issues like ear pain, irritation, or infection. However, there are rare instances where they can cause more serious damage, such as a ruptured eardrum or hearing loss. If you experience significant ear pain or hearing loss, seek medical attention immediately.
Puteri Natasha is a Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners. She has a Bachelor of Audiology with Honours from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). She is experienced in conducting hearing tests for adults and children and electrophysiological assessments. She also helps with hearing aid selection and fitting to ensure users are matched with the right device for their needs.