Insects in the ear can be scary. Insects, such as moths, cockroaches, ladybugs, and beetles, can crawl into your ears while you sleep or engage in outdoor activities. Entomologists suspect insects crawl into the ear canal to stay warm and safe. Whatever the reason, bugs in the ear are unpleasant. You don't need to remove bugs to prevent hearing loss, ear damage, and infection.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Get the Insects Out
Step 1. Identify if there are insects in your ear
Ears may become sensitive for various reasons. Ears can become tender due to allergies or changes in the weather. If you have bugs in your ear, you may feel pain, swelling, bleeding, and itching. You may even feel a bite or sting. In addition, sometimes there will be dizziness or loss of hearing.
Step 2. Stay calm
While bugs in the ear can be scary, it's best to stay calm in this situation. Being overactive may cause bugs to sink deeper into the ear or crawl further, which could cause damage to the sensitive inner ear or drum.
Step 3. Avoid using the apparatus in the ear
Don't let the bugs get trapped in your ears or you're more likely to injure yourself. There are many nerve endings in the ear. You can damage these nerves by using tools such as cotton buds or tongs. Don't try to get the bugs out with these two things.
Step 4. Locate the insect
If the bug gets deep into the eardrum, you may want to consider seeing a doctor to get it removed. Have someone shine a flashlight or shine a magnifying glass in your ear to try to locate and identify the creature. This method can help diagnose the location and type of insect.
Step 5. Adjust the body position until it is comfortable
To prepare to remove the bugs, make sure you are in a comfortable position. You can sit comfortably while tilting your head for easy access to your ears. You may also be able to lie down with your ear to the ceiling.
Part 2 of 3: Removing Insects
Step 1. Wag your ears
One way to try to get bugs out of your ear is to use gravity. Tilt your ear toward the floor and try to wag it. Grab the pinna (outer ear) and shake it. If the insect isn't too deep, it may come out on its own.
Step 2. Let the insects out on their own
If it is alive and not too deep in the ear canal, it may come out on its own. If you stay calm and keep objects (such as your fingers) away from your ears, the bugs may come back out.
Step 3. Clean the ears with warm water
Use a dropper or syringe. Keep your head straight and stretch the ear canal by pulling on the outside. Put a stream of warm water into the ear. Tilt your head to the side to dry it. Don't water your ear if you think the drum is cracked. Do this to avoid further damage.
Step 4. Use mineral oil to kill insects
Use a drop or two of olive, mineral, or baby oil in the ear canal to kill it. This will help you avoid stinging or damaging your eardrum from scratching or insect bites.
Step 5. Visit a doctor for suction therapy
Doctors or medical professionals can use a special suction device, which is usually used to remove earwax, to try to suck out insects. You might have a hard time trying it alone, so make sure you visit an emergency room or treatment clinic and let a professional remove the bugs for you.
Part 3 of 3: Recovering
Step 1. Examine the insect for any missing body parts
Make sure you have completely removed it from inside the ear. If any part is missing, it may cause further problems, such as an ear infection. Examine any object you remove from your ear carefully.
Step 2. Just relax
Removing a live animal from the ear is a stressful procedure. Wetting or sucking the ear can also cause a feeling of dizziness due to the pressure on the center. Avoid standing up too quickly and exercising vigorously for at least a day after the procedure.
Step 3. Watch for signs of infection
The insect may cause ear damage before it can be completely removed. Signs of an ear infection include swelling, dizziness, loss of hearing, fever, and pain.
Step 4. Follow up with the doctor
If you're not sure you've removed all the bugs, or are worried you might get an infection, make an appointment with your family doctor to make sure you're perfectly healthy. He or she may refer you to an otolaryngologist, an ear specialist, for further diagnosis.
