About Ear Foreign Body Removal
Key Highlights
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Quick, outpatient procedure typically completed in minutes.Minimally invasive with no incisions required in most cases.Performed under direct visualization for precision and safety.Immediate relief from pain, discomfort, and hearing blockage.Prevents complications like infections, eardrum perforation, or hearing loss.Often performed with topical/local anesthesia for patient comfort./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a foreign object (e.g., bead, insect, cotton swab tip, food) in the ear canal.
- Patient symptoms such as ear pain, fullness, itching, hearing loss, or discharge.
- Visible foreign body on otoscopic examination by a healthcare provider.
- Risk of complications if the object remains (e.g., infection, tissue damage).
- Failed attempts at safe removal at home or by a non-specialist.
- Foreign bodies causing bleeding, significant swelling, or dizziness.
How to prepare
- A detailed medical history and symptom discussion with the ENT specialist.
- Otoscopic examination to visualize the type, size, and location of the foreign body.
- Explanation of the procedure and obtaining informed consent.
- Application of a topical anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine drops) to numb the ear canal if needed.
- For anxious patients or young children, discussion about the possible use of mild sedation.
- Removal of hearing aids or earrings prior to the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor bleeding or abrasion inside the ear canal.
- Risk of infection (otitis externa) if the canal skin is injured.
- Perforation (tear) of the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
- Temporary dizziness or vertigo.
- Incomplete removal, requiring a follow-up procedure.
- Rarely, damage to the small bones (ossicles) of the middle ear.
- Reaction to topical anesthetics or sedatives.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Mild discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ear may persist for a few hours.
- Avoid inserting anything into the ear, including cotton swabs, for at least a week.
- Keep the ear dry for 2-3 days; use earplugs while bathing.
- Use prescribed antibiotic ear drops if there was minor trauma or to prevent infection.
- Follow-up with the ENT if pain, discharge, or hearing loss worsens or persists.
- Hearing typically returns to normal once swelling subsides and any wax is cleared.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ear foreign body removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for ear foreign body removal in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ear foreign body removal. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ear foreign body removal compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Ear Foreign Body Removal in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing ear foreign body removal.
Diya Khan is a curious and...
Diya Khan is a curious and energetic 4-year-old who loves playing with her older brother's building blocks. While building a tower, she found a small, shiny plastic bead and, as toddlers often do, put it in her ear. Her mother noticed Diya was fussy, rubbing her right ear, and saying it felt 'full.' A visit to the pediatrician confirmed a bead lodged deep in the ear canal. The pediatrician referred them to an ENT specialist, Dr. Chen, who explained that removal was necessary to prevent infection or damage to the eardrum. In the clinic, Diya was understandably scared. Dr. Chen used a special microscope and a tiny, gentle suction tool. He talked to Diya calmly, and with her mother holding her hand, the bead was out in less than a minute. Diya cried briefly but was quickly comforted. After the procedure, she was back to her playful self immediately, with no pain or complications. The emotional journey was one of acute parental anxiety turning into immense relief. Diya's fear was short-lived, replaced by the comfort of being held by her mother, who felt a wave of gratitude for the quick and gentle care.
ENT Specialists for Ear Foreign Body Removal
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform ear foreign body removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore