Audiology/Otolaryngology/insect got into my ear

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/6/2008


Question
Hi Doctor Jacobster, I got a small insect, maybe a cockroach
got into my left ear. Since 18 hours, I could not get it out. I tried to press on my ear planning to crush it, blocked the ear to suffocate it, but in no avail. Time and time, it moved violently against my ear drumm. I don't know what to do. One friend suggested me to put water into the ear, or to look for a ear work at a barber shop, or else I would need to see an ENT doctor.
Do you have any suggestion for me ?
Thanks a lot, Doctor.
Howard

Answer
Hi Howard,
One way to get an insect out of the ear is to tilt your head so that the affected ear is upward, pour some baby or mineral oil into the ear while pulling the lobe gently backward and upward.  The insect should suffocate and float to the top.  HOWEVER, and this is a big however, you may have already done some damage to the ear canal by pressing on it.  You also may have imbedded the insect in your eardrum or the skin in the canal, especially if it is a tick.  If the insect went through your eardrum, then you should NOT put anything in your ear as it can damage the middle ear. And, if the insect is imbedded in your canal, you will need antibiotics. At this point, I think it is best you seek a physician who can look in the ear, extract the foreign body, and give you appropriate follow-up.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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