Objects in the Ear

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you have a disc battery stuck in your ear? Note: Disc batteries are found in toys, calculators, hearing aids, cameras, and watches.


See significance of a disc battery if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Red square with white cross logo

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a disc battery stuck in your ear canal and you cannot remove it?

Note:

If you are not able to reach your doctor immediately, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not place eardrops or other solutions of any kind in the ear in an attempt to remove the battery. Eardrops can cause the battery to corrode quickly, causing severe damage to the ear canal.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain after removing a disc battery from your ear canal?

Yes

Do you have bleeding or drainage from the ear after removing a disc battery from your ear canal?


If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.



Author: Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNCLast Updated: May 22, 2006
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology

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