Objects in the Ear
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think you have hurt the inside of your ear (ear canal)?
See significance of an injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If you have had something in your ear for longer than 24 hours, a visit to a doctor is needed to remove the object, even if you do not have other symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had sudden, complete hearing loss?
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Yes Do you have severe dizziness that makes it hard to stand or walk?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have some hearing loss?
Yes Do you have drainage or bleeding from the ear?
Yes Do you have mild to moderate pain?
Yes Do you have mild dizziness?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have mild symptoms that have not gotten better for 24 hours or longer after an object first became stuck in your ear?
Yes Do you have mild symptoms that are now getting worse 24 hours after an object first became stuck in your ear?
Yes Do you still have symptoms that are not getting better 24 hours after an object was removed from your ear?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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