General
Objects Stuck in the Ear or Nose
Young children often put beads, food, toy parts and other small objects in their ears or noses, and adults sometimes end up with a piece of cotton swab or an insect in an ear. Most objects can be removed safely in the clinic. Digging for one at home often pushes it deeper.
- Walk-in or book
What is objects stuck in the ear or nose?
Young children often put beads, food, toy parts and other small objects in their ears or noses, and adults sometimes end up with a piece of cotton swab or an insect in an ear. Most objects can be removed safely in the clinic. Digging for one at home often pushes it deeper.
Common symptoms
- An object you can see, or know was put in the ear or nose
- Ear pain, fullness or muffled hearing
- Bad-smelling discharge from one nostril, especially in a child
- A buzzing or moving feeling in the ear (an insect)
- Bleeding or pain from the nose or ear
How we treat it at AfterOurs
A provider finds the object with a light and a scope. Depending on what it is and where, it can be removed with small instruments, gentle suction, or by rinsing the ear, and for a child's nose sometimes with a gentle puff of air from a parent. A live insect is stilled with drops first. If the object is deep or can't be removed safely, we'll refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
When to come in
Come in the same day for any object in the ear or nose that doesn't come out easily. Don't reach for it with tweezers or a cotton swab.
What to expect at your visit
- Step 1
Check in
Walk in, or book online to hold your place and skip the wait.
- Step 2
See a provider
A clinician examines you and runs any on-site tests you need.
- Step 3
Leave with a plan
Treatment, prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, and a visit summary.
Ready to feel better? We're open late.
Book online to hold your place, or just walk in.