An earwig is a common garden insect, part of the order Dermaptera, recognizable by the pair of pincer-like appendages, or cerci, on its abdomen. Like any small insect, an earwig can occasionally find its way into the human ear canal, typically as an accident while a person is sleeping outdoors. This is a rare occurrence, but the idea of an insect entering the ear has fueled a long-standing fear. While finding any foreign body in the ear can be alarming, the most dramatic fears associated with this insect are largely unfounded myths.
Debunking the Earwig Myth
The most persistent folklore claims that an earwig will burrow into the brain or lay its eggs inside the ear. The anatomy of the human ear prevents this from happening because the ear canal is a closed pathway that ends at the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. This thin sheet of tissue acts as a secure barrier to the middle ear and the rest of the head. An insect cannot physically penetrate this membrane and travel further into the skull without causing severe trauma.
Earwigs do not seek out human ears as a nesting site or a food source; they are nocturnal insects that prefer dark, moist environments like leaf litter or under rocks. Entry into a human ear is a simple error of navigation, as the insect is likely seeking a small, dark crevice for shelter. These insects lay their eggs in underground nests or soil, not in human tissue. The name “earwig” itself comes from the Old English words for “ear wiggler” and is likely the origin of the myth, not a reflection of the insect’s actual behavior.
Recognizing the Symptoms
If an insect is lodged in the ear canal, the symptoms are often distinct and immediate due to the sensitivity of the tissues. A feeling of fullness or a blockage in the ear is a common first sensation, similar to having water trapped inside. If the insect is still alive and moving, a person will experience a persistent buzzing, scraping, or fluttering sound. This noise is the insect’s movement amplified by the closed space of the ear canal.
Localized pain or sharp discomfort can occur if the insect attempts to move deeper or if its pincer-like cerci scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal. Temporary hearing impairment or a muffled quality to sounds may also be noticeable because the insect physically obstructs the sound waves. Irritation can lead to redness, swelling, or even minor bleeding or fluid discharge, which signals damage to the ear canal lining or eardrum.
Immediate Steps for Safe Removal
The primary goal of at-home removal is to immobilize and extract the insect without pushing it deeper into the ear canal. The first step is to use gravity by tilting the head to the affected side and gently shaking it to encourage the insect to fall out. Tilting the head helps straighten the ear canal slightly, which provides a clearer path for the insect to exit.
If the insect does not fall out, pouring a small amount of vegetable oil, mineral oil, or baby oil into the ear canal can suffocate or immobilize a live insect. The oil should be warm, not hot, and applied carefully. Allow it to remain in the ear for a few minutes before tilting the head again to let the oil and the insect drain out. It is important to avoid using tools like cotton swabs, tweezers, or paper clips, as these can push the insect further toward the eardrum or cause injury.
You must seek immediate medical attention if the insect cannot be removed after one or two attempts, or if the person experiences severe pain, dizziness, or signs of a ruptured eardrum, such as bloody discharge. Professional medical help is also mandatory if there is any history of eardrum perforation or ear tubes, as introducing any liquid into the ear could cause complications. A healthcare provider can use specialized instruments, like an otoscope and forceps, or use a gentle irrigation technique to safely remove the foreign body.