Objects in the Ear

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you have something stuck in your ear?


See significance of an object in the ear that you cannot remove if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Red square with white cross logo

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have complete hearing loss in the ear that has an object stuck in it?


Yellow telephone logo

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?

Yes

Have you had an object stuck in your for ear longer than 24 hours but you do not have other symptoms?


Green wait logo

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, BSLast Updated: February 13, 2008
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology

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