Small insects can, in fact get lost in people's ears. The phenomenon is more common in countries where people sleep a lot on the floor. You rarely hear about it in Europe. Usually it is a question of small flies or beetles.
The fear of a bug in the ear is of course not completely unfounded: in the worst case, a small spider or other insect could crawl into your ear while you sleep. But this probability is extremely small. This is not only ensured by our European sleeping habits, but also by ear wax: the smell and the bitter substances in ear wax repel insects. The human ear protects itself naturally against intruders.
How rare insects are in the ear is also shown by the fact that the few spectacular cases from the USA or Asia are worth a newspaper report even in Europe: the story of a woman from California with a tick in her ear was covered in medical journals for ENT doctors worldwide. In India a man had a seven centimeter long cricket in his ear, a man in Australia had a cockroach and a Chinese woman had a jumping spider!
But if a fly, moth, ant or other insect has found its way into the ear, keep calm. If you can't gently remove it yourself, don't be afraid to see an ear, nose and throat doctor. Under no circumstances should you try to get into your ear with tweezers or anything similar. The risk of injury is too great.
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It can be unsettling to suspect an insect has entered your ear.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
While these signs may suggest the presence of a bug, they can also be indicative of other ear-related conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis.
Check other diseases and symptoms if you're unsure whether you have an insect in your ear
In most cases, a bug in the ear is harmless, but complications can arise if the situation is not addressed appropriately:
If you notice persistent discomfort, hearing issues, or signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or a foul-smelling discharge, seek medical care immediately to prevent further complications.
Despite their name, it is highly uncommon for earwigs to enter human ears. The name "earwig" originates from an old myth suggesting that these insects crawl into ears and burrow into the brain, but this is purely folklore and has no basis in fact.
While earwigs, like many other insects, may accidentally end up near or around ears, they do not seek out ears intentionally. If an earwig does happen to enter the ear, it is usually a rare and accidental occurrence, similar to other insects.
The length of time an insect can survive inside the ear depends on several factors, including the type of insect and whether it has access to air. In most cases, insects are unlikely to survive for an extended period due to the restricted environment of the ear canal.
Even if the insect dies, its presence can cause significant discomfort, inflammation, or even infection if left untreated. Dead insect parts may remain lodged in the ear, leading to irritation or complications.
It is essential to avoid attempting to remove the insect with inappropriate tools, as this may cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. Seeking prompt medical attention ensures safe and complete removal while minimising the risk of complications.
If you feel a crawling sensation in your ear, consider the following steps:
