The best way to get something out of your ear—whether it’s deep inside or near the edge—depends on what’s stuck in there. While some home remedies might help remove an object or clear a blockage, you don’t want to accidentally make things worse. Sometimes, you’ll need to see a doctor to fix the issue.
Kids, especially, can end up with small objects like toys, beads, pebbles, insects, or even food stuck in their ears, which can cause pain. Besides discomfort, you might notice drainage or muffled hearing. Sometimes, what feels like an object could actually be an infection or earwax buildup.
This article covers safe techniques to try at home, what not to do, and when it’s time to get professional help.
Common Things That Get Stuck in Ears
Plenty of people—especially kids—end up at the doctor’s office because of something lodged in their ear. One study of 333 children (around 6.5 years old on average) found that about half needed emergency care because the object couldn’t be removed at home. The usual suspects include:
- Beads
- Stickers
- Small game pieces
- Food bits (like kernels)
- Insects
- Batteries (including tiny button batteries)
Cotton is actually the most common culprit. Other things like paper, pebbles, or rocks can also get stuck. Water beads are especially tricky because they’re designed to expand when wet.
If you notice something in your ear, stay calm and try a safe removal method at home. But if it’s stuck or doesn’t come out easily, get medical help right away—especially if you have trouble breathing or staying alert. Sharp objects (like earrings) are riskier and need extra care.
Signs Something’s Stuck in Your Ear
Most people feel pressure or discomfort when something’s lodged in their ear. Kids might not always explain it, but you might notice:
- Pain
- Redness around the ear
- Drainage or a feeling of fluid in the ear, nose, or throat
- Hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus)
Sometimes, dizziness or balance issues can happen, depending on how long the object’s been there. With earwax blockages, you might also cough or feel itchiness.
If you can’t see the object, a doctor can use a special tool (an otoscope) to check inside.
How to Remove Something Near the Ear Opening
If the object isn’t too deep, you can try these methods:
Tilt Your Head
Gravity might help! If you can see the object, tilt your head to the side and gently shake it—no banging! Don’t stick anything in your ear to “fish it out.”
Keep Tools Away
Never poke your ear with fingers, tweezers, or cotton swabs. You could push the object deeper or hurt your ear canal.
Use Warm Oil (For Insects Only)
If a bug’s in your ear, tilt that side up—sometimes it’ll crawl out. If not, try warm (not hot) olive, mineral, or baby oil:
- Warm the oil slightly (just hold the bottle in your hands).
- Gently pull the earlobe back (up for adults, down for kids).
- Use a dropper to fill the ear canal with oil. Wait a minute—the bug might float out.
If it doesn’t work, see a doctor ASAP. Even if the bug comes out, get checked—insect parts can irritate your ear.
Never stick anything in your ear to grab the bug—it might bite or sting!
Over-the-counter earwax drops (with hydrogen peroxide) can also help by loosening the object with bubbles.
Removing Deeply Lodged Objects
If the object’s too deep, leave it to a professional. The middle and inner ear are less likely to have foreign objects—pain or hearing loss there might mean a ruptured eardrum (often from pressure changes, not an object).
The longer something stays stuck, the higher the risk of infection or damage. Hearing aids usually don’t get stuck, but if a piece breaks off inside, see a specialist.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use fingers, tweezers, or cotton swabs.
- Don’t flush your ear with water—that’s a job for doctors.
- Don’t use oil for non-insect objects (it can make things like food or paper swell).
- Don’t try ear candling—it doesn’t work and can cause burns.
When to See a Doctor
If home methods don’t work, get help quickly. Waiting too long raises the risk of infection or damage. ER doctors use special tools to see and remove objects safely, like:
- Irrigation – Flushing the ear with water (only for non-absorbent objects).
- Suction – Gently vacuuming the object out.
- Forceps – Using tiny tongs to grab the object.
Never try these at home! A doctor can also check if your symptoms are from an infection or another issue.
Bottom Line
Kids (and adults) often get bugs, pebbles, or food stuck in their ears. You can try gravity or oil (for insects), but never stick anything in your ear. If it’s deep or won’t budge, see a doctor—and make sure it’s not actually an infection or wax buildup.