How to Remove an Insect From a Child's Ear

The inside of an ear canal is dark, warm and protected. To an insect, this is an ideal habitat. Unfortunately, the earwax that protects the canal is very sticky. As a result, an insect may make its way into a child's ear and be unable to get out. No need to head straight to the emergency room, try this simple removal technique first.

Things You'll Need

• One of the following oils: baby, mineral, olive or vegetable

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Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate the child's complaint. Suspect an insect if he or she describes a crunching or popping sound (possibly with a ticklish feeling) in the ear canal.

• 2

  Remain calm and do not panic. Children take cues from adults. Removing the insect will be much less traumatic if you both stay calm.

• 3

  Hold the child's head over a sink or bathtub with the problem ear facing upward.

• 4

  Fill the ear canal with baby, mineral, olive or vegetable oil. Tug lightly downward on the earlobe to remove air bubbles. Wait two minutes. This will drown the insect, making it easier to remove.

• 5

  Pour a cup of warm, clean water into the ear slowly, allowing it to overflow.

• 6

  Watch carefully for the insect to exit the ear canal. If it is not intact, repeat until you remove all fragments.

• 7

  Still having difficulty? You may have missed seeing the insect come out. Stop what you are doing and allow some time for the ear canal to dry. If the symptoms persist, it is time to call the doctor.