Signs of a foreign body in the ear canal

foreign body in ear canal symptoms

A foreign body in the ear can sometimes be easy to spot, but not always. Here are signs and symptoms that may suggest something is stuck in the ear:

Common Symptoms:

Hearing loss or muffled hearing. Partial blockage can reduce sound transmission

Feeling of fullness or pressure. As if the ear is ‘blocked’ or plugged

Drainage from the ear. Clear, bloody or pus-like fluid. Foul smelling drainage may indicate infection.

Noise in the ear (tinnitus), especially with live insects

Dizziness or balance issues, especially if the object is deep or pressing on the ear drum or walls of ear canal.

Itching or irritation. Common with small particles like sand or an insect

When to Seek Medical Attention Immediately:

Live insect that’s causing pain or buzzing

Bleeding from the ear

Signs of infection (fever, pus, swelling)

Don’t probe the ear with cotton swabs, tweezers, or fingers — can push the object deeper

Don’t try to flush the ear water may become trapped behind the object

If you're unsure, it's safest to book an appointment with an ear specialist so we can examine the ear with the video otoscope and remove the object safely. If it is too dangerous to remove, we can email photos so you can go to a medical centre to have the foreign body removed.