Insect or bug in ear

Symptoms​, what to do and potential complications
Last update on 12/03/2025
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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

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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How to tell if a bug is in your ear​

It can be unsettling to suspect an insect has entered your ear.

Common symptoms to watch for include:

  • Unusual sounds: Hearing buzzing, clicking, or fluttering noises from within your ear.
  • Discomfort or pain: A persistent tickling sensation, feeling of fullness, or even sharp pain.
  • Hearing difficulty: A noticeable reduction in hearing on the affected side.
  • Discharge: Fluid from the ear, which may occasionally be tinged with blood, especially if the ear canal has been irritated.

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.

Getting a bug out of your ear

If you believe there is an insect in your ear, follow these steps to address the situation safely:

Remain calm

Panicking could worsen the discomfort or make the situation more difficult to handle.

Do not insert objects

Avoid using cotton buds, fingers, or tweezers, as these can push the insect further into the ear or cause injury.

Tilt your head

Position the affected ear upwards to allow gravity to assist in the natural removal of the insect.

Gently shake your head

Lean the affected ear downwards and lightly shake your head to dislodge the bug.

Seek medical attention

If these steps do not work or you experience pain, discomfort, or injury, contact a medical professional promptly.

Check other diseases and symptoms

Check other diseases and symptoms if you're unsure whether you have an insect in your ear 

Learn more
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Complications

In most cases, a bug in the ear is harmless, but complications can arise if the situation is not addressed appropriately:

  • Infections: The presence of a foreign body can promote bacterial growth, leading to infections.
  • Ear canal or eardrum damage: Scratches or perforations caused by the insect or improper removal attempts may result in pain or hearing loss.
  • Residual insect parts: Incomplete removal can leave behind debris, which might lead to irritation or infection.

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.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a bug live in your ear?

A bug that has entered your ear is very likely to die quickly. However, it doesn't always happen, and in some cases it can stay alive for a few days, causing discomfort and noise in your ear.

Do earwigs get in your ears?

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.

How long can a bug live in your ear​?

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.

What to do If you experience a crawling feeling in your ear?

If you feel a crawling sensation in your ear, consider the following steps:

  1. Avoid inserting objects: Do not attempt to clean your ear with cotton buds, fingers, or other items. This can push any foreign object deeper into the ear and potentially cause injury.
  2. Check for visible insects: If you suspect an insect has entered your ear, gently tilt your head to see if it will exit on its own. You can also try using warm (not hot) olive oil or mineral oil to help remove the insect safely.
  3. Seek medical advice: If the feeling persists, becomes painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as hearing loss or discharge, it’s essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can assess your ear and provide appropriate treatment for infections, earwax buildup, or foreign objects.

What about another foreign object in the ear?

Other foreign bodies in the ear are more common than insects. For example, when working in the house and garden,  parts of plants get unnoticed in the ear or dust and sand. Foreign bodies in the ear canal are mainly noticeable through   hearing problems and the feeling of having something in the ear. Often, however, it is also a "home-made" problem.   Ear wax plugs are the most common cause.  You can try to remove these yourself with cooking oil.  
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