An insect in the ear

In an insect crawl or flies into someone’s ear, its buzzing can sound frighteningly loud and its movements can be very distressing.

You may need to calm and reassure the victim. Make sure that he does not put his finger in his ear, as this may provoke the insect to sting or to bite.

Turn out all the light in the room except for one. Have the victim move the affected ear toward that source of light.

Gently pull the earlobe back and up to straighten the ear canal, and the insect may fly out toward the light. You can also try shinning a flashlight in the ear.


If these procedures do not work, put several drop of mineral or vegetable oil into the affected oil. Pull the ear lobe back and up to straighten the ear canal, then hold the victim’s head still with the ear angled toward the ground.

Even if the insect does not suffocate, it might float out in the oil.
If this fails to remove the insects, or the insects sting or bites the victim while in the ear, seek immediately medical help.

Caution: Do not use oil or other liquid to remove anything except an insect. Liquid may cause some objects, such as bean and beads to swell making removal more difficult.


From Reader Digest GREAT HEALTH HINTS AND HANDY TIPS.