An insect can get trapped in a child’s ear when the child is playing out. It can also happen when the child is sleeping. Sometimes the insect dies when it enters the ear. At other times it stays alive and tries to make its way out. This can cause fear and discomfort to the child. The insect should be removed right away.

First aid for insect in the  ear

• Calm the child down  and let him know you can help.
• Don’t try to remove the insect  by poking  it with a cotton swab or other probe. It will push the insect further away in the ear. It can also damage the middle ear and ear drum.
• Tilt your child’s ear to the side and gently shake it. Do not hit your child’s head.
• If your child doesnt have tubes or ear problems , follow  these tips.
  • If you think the insect is still in there after shaking the child’s head gently, pour a small amount of vegetable or baby oil into the ear canal. This will usually kill the insect.
  •  If you think the insect is dead  and does not come out with a gentle head shaking, pour a small amount of warm water into the ear canal to flush it out.A bulb syringe like the kind found in over-the-counter earwax removal kits may be helpful. If you aren’t sure the object is an insect, don’t put water in the ear canal. If the object is a tightly wedged seed or bean, water may cause the object to swell.

When to call your child’s doctor

Your child’s doctor will figure out other treatments that your child might need. You should call your child’s doctor if :

• Your child is so upset he cannot be calmed  or hold still long  enough to touch the ear and safely  remove the object.
• If you cannot remove parts of the insect.
• To have the insect removed if it doesnot come out after shaking  or adding water. Insects can cause damage to  the inside of the ear by stinging or scratching the eardrum.
• If your child develops signs of infections such as a fever or drainage from the ear.