It's a scenario many parents know all too well: a child suddenly complains of ear discomfort, only for it to turn out they’ve lodged something in their ear. But how do you stop it from happening?
From bits of paper to small toys, children inserting objects into their ears is more common than many realize. This behavior is often linked to normal development, but it can pose real risks if not addressed properly.
Dr Jenn Schumacher, audiologist at ReSound, explains why it happens and what parents can do to prevent it.
Curiosity, exploration, and sensory play
“Young children are naturally curious, and much of their learning comes through exploring their bodies and surroundings.
“The ears, like the nose and mouth, become part of that exploration. Kids may insert objects simply to see what happens or how it feels.
“For toddlers and preschoolers especially, fine motor skills are still developing, so picking up and placing small items into openings can feel like a game or experiment.
“In some cases, children are also seeking sensory stimulation. The sensation of pressure or sound changes can be interesting or soothing to them, even if it seems unusual to adults.”
When discomfort leads to risky behavior
“Not all cases are purely curiosity-driven. Sometimes children put objects in their ears because something already feels wrong.
“If a child has irritation, wax buildup, or even an early ear infection, they may try to ‘fix’ the sensation themselves.
“They might use whatever is nearby, like a pencil or small toy, without understanding the potential harm.
“This can quickly make the situation worse, pushing debris deeper into the ear canal or causing injury.”
The risks parents should be aware of
“While some objects may be removed easily, others can lead to complications. Inserting foreign objects into the ear can cause scratches to the ear canal, blockages, or even damage to the eardrum.
“There’s also a risk of infection, particularly if the object isn’t clean or stays in the ear for an extended period.
“Small batteries are especially dangerous and require immediate medical attention, as they can cause serious tissue damage in a short amount of time.”
How to prevent it from happening
“Prevention starts with awareness and supervision. Keeping small objects out of reach is one of the most effective steps, especially for younger children who are more likely to explore in this way.
“It’s also important to teach children, in an age-appropriate way, that nothing should go into their ears. Repetition and simple explanations can go a long way.
“Parents should avoid using cotton swabs inside a child’s ears, as this can normalize the behavior and increase curiosity.
“Providing safe alternatives for sensory play, such as textured toys or hands-on activities, can also help redirect that exploratory instinct.”
What to do if it happens
“If you suspect your child has put something in their ear, avoid trying to remove it yourself unless it is clearly visible and easy to grasp. Using tools at home can push the object further in or cause injury.
“Instead, seek medical advice promptly. A healthcare professional will have the right equipment and visibility to remove the object safely.
“Watch for signs such as pain, discharge, hearing changes, or a child repeatedly touching their ear, as these may indicate a problem.”
Supporting safe habits as children grow
“This behaviour is usually a phase and tends to decrease as children grow and better understand their bodies.
“Building good habits early, like explaining ear safety and modeling appropriate behaviour can help prevent repeat incidents.
“Ultimately, it’s about balancing curiosity with guidance. Children will always explore, but with the right boundaries and supervision, parents can keep that exploration safe.”
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