b'Foreign Object in the EarChapterThe most common cases involve young children. They have a tendency to poke small objects such as a bead, peanut or button into their ear. Adults may leave cotton wool or push an ear bud too far. If a foreign object becomes lodged in the ear, it may block the ear canal or even damage the eardrum. Occasionally, an insect or small bug may crawl into the ear causing major discomfort.How to RecognisePain in or around the affected ear.There may be a discharge of pus.Partial or total deafness.Tonsils may be inflamed.A child may pull or tug at the effected ear.How to Manage Have the patient sitting, leaning forward with the head tilted toward the affected side.With the head downward and to the side a loose object may fall out.If you can see and identify the object and provided it is not firmly ordeeply lodged, carefully grasp it with plastic tweezers and gently remove.If the object is firmly lodged, do not remove.Refer to medical assistance.Insect, bug, creepy crawlyHave the patient sitting, leaning forward and with the head tilted toward the affected side.Sometimes shining a light into the ear (in darkened room) may entice the insect to come outfrom hiding.Support the head toward the affected side and the insect may crawl out.Do not pour any liquid/water into the affected ear.If not successful, refer to medical assistance.170 Foreign Objects'