But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true methods to safely remove a bug from your ear canal. Before we dive in, remember to exercise caution when dealing with insects, especially if they’re buzzing around or biting. If the situation is severe or you’re unsure about what’s going on, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
An insect trapped within the ear canal
Begin by gently tilting your head back so that the affected ear is facing upwards towards the ceiling. In many cases, simply positioning your head in this way will allow the insect to crawl or fly out on its own. If the bug doesn’t exit naturally, you can try using oil as a gentle coaxing agent.
Method: The Olive Oil Treatment – Removing a bug from the ear using olive oil
If you suspect a bug or insect is trapped within the ear, you may wish to use warm oil to encourage it to leave the ear canal. Sometimes, using an oil-based lubricant can help loosen an insect’s grip or make it easier for them to crawl back out of their ear sanctuary.
What you’ll need
- An eye dropper
- A mild oil like olive oil or baby oil
- A towel
To use warm oil to remove an insect from your ear
- Gently warm the oil by holding the bottle or dropper in your hands for a few minutes.
- Tip your head back and face the affected ear upwards. You may want to place a towel under your ear to catch any excess oil.
- Using an eye dropper, carefully fill the ear canal with enough warmed oil to cover it completely.
- Wait 30 seconds to a minute to see if the bug rises to the surface of the oil. If it does, tilt your head gently and let the oil and the bug fall out.
If the bug is not successfully removed from your ear after using warm oil, then it’s time to seek assistance. Even if you do manage to extract the bug, it’s still advised to consult with a healthcare professional. This is because any remaining debris or residue left behind by the bug can cause irritation and discomfort in the sensitive ear canal.
Important note: Using oil in the ear may not be suitable for everyone. For example, people with a history of a hole or perforation in the eardrum or ear grommets must not use liquid drops within the ear.
Using liquid to dislodge foreign objects from the ear is not advised for certain items that can expand when exposed to moisture, such as food particles, paper fragments, cotton swabs, or water beads, which may become lodged deeper and cause further harm. If you are unsure, avoid using liquid in your ears and book a micro-suction appointment online with MicroClear ears.
Additional Tips
- If you’re not comfortable attempting these methods yourself, have someone else help or consult a medical professional.
- Never use sharp objects (like pins, needles, or tweezers) to remove an insect from your ear canal. This can lead to serious injury and potentially cause more harm than good.
- In rare cases where the bug is stuck too deep or there’s severe discomfort, consult a medical professional right away for proper evaluation.
While these methods should help you safely evict an unwanted guest from your ear, it’s essential to be proactive about preventing future invasions. Practice good hygiene, and avoid areas infested with insects to minimise the chances of bugs getting stuck in the first place!
If you need further guidance or help removing a bug from your ear, book an appointment with MicroClear Ears today. We can help remove bugs and other foreign objects from the ear canal quickly and painlessly using Microsuction.
Make an microsuction appointment with MicroClear Ears today
Book your appointment online with MicroClear Ears today. We offer micro-suction ear wax removal ear clinics at three locations across Adelaide; Stepney, Brooklyn Park, and Somerton Park. Our service is Medicare rebatable, and requires no referrals. For more information on fees, please see our fees & pricing page.
If you have any questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section or Get in touch today.
Category: Ear health
