A simple way to try to remove a bug from the ear is to tilt your head toward the affected side and gently shake it, or place a few drops of oil in the ear to help kill the bug and make it easier for it to slide out. However, if the bug does not come out, it is important to see an ENT specialist or go to the emergency room.
When a bug gets into the ear, it can cause significant discomfort and lead to symptoms like trouble hearing, intense itching, irritation, or pain. If the bug is still alive, it may also cause ringing in the ear or loud, uncomfortable sounds as it moves.
It is very important to avoid scratching the ear or trying to remove anything with your fingers or a cotton swab. Doing this can push the bug deeper, injure the ear canal, or even perforate the eardrum, which can make symptoms worse.
3 ways to remove a bug in your ear
Ways to remove a bug in the ear include:
1. Using a blade of grass
Grass is flexible and has tiny ridges that bugs can cling to, making it possible to place it at the entrance of the ear without risking eardrum injury or pushing the bug farther inside.
To use a blade of grass, wash it with soap and water, then carefully try to slide it underneath the bug’s legs. Wait a few seconds and gently pull it back out. If the bug grabs onto the grass, it may come out with it. If not, you can repeat this process a few times.
2. Using a few drops of oil
Oil can be helpful when other methods do not work because it quickly kills the bug and reduces the risk of a bite or scratch inside the ear. Oil also lubricates the ear canal, which makes it easier for the bug either to slide out on its own or to come out when you shake your head again.
To try this method, place 2 to 3 drops of oil, such as olive oil, baby oil, almond oil, or even cooking oil, into the ear canal. Then tilt your head toward the affected side and wait a few seconds. If the bug does not exit on its own, try gently shaking your head again or moving your ear.
This technique should not be used if you have a ruptured eardrum or if there is any suspicion of an ear injury. The oil should be at room temperature or slightly warmed, but never hot enough to burn the skin.
3. Rinsing with warm water or saline
This method should only be used once you are sure the bug is dead, because using water while it is still alive may cause it to scratch or sting, leading to injury inside the ear.
A helpful approach is to use a plastic bottle with a small hole in the cap to create a gentle stream of water. This can help flush out anything inside the ear.
Step-by-step instructions
If a bug enters the ear, you should take the following precautions while trying to remove it:
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Stay calm, because sudden movements or panic can push the bug deeper into the ear and worsen symptoms
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Confirm whether a bug is inside the ear using a flashlight and magnifying glass, if available
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Try to identify where the bug is, near the outer part of the ear or deeper inside, close to the eardrum
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Avoid trying to remove the bug with your fingers, cotton swabs, hairpins, or tweezers, as these can push it farther in and cause injuries
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Gently pull the earlobe backward to help straighten the ear canal
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Tilt your head toward the affected side and gently shake your head to encourage the bug to exit
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Use one of the methods, grass, oil drops, or warm water rinse, to try to remove the bug
After the bug has been removed, the ear should be inspected again to ensure no pieces remain, as these can lead to infections such as otitis.
When to see a doctor
You should go to the emergency room if symptoms are severe or get worse over time, as well as if you are unable to remove the bug using these techniques. A doctor can use special tools to remove the bug safely without injuring the inside of the ear.
If you cannot see a bug inside the ear but still have intense discomfort, you should see an ENT specialist to identify possible causes and begin appropriate treatment if needed.