Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because something got stuck in your ear. When an object gets into the ear that shouldn't be there, it is called a "foreign body."
The doctor removed the object from your ear. You can recover at home.
If the object caused an infection in your ear canal (called an "outer ear infection"), the doctor probably gave you ear drops. It is very important to finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●If you have an outer ear infection, keep the inside of your ear dry while the infection heals. Do not swim for 7 to 10 days after starting treatment. Showers are OK. To keep your ear dry during a shower, you can put some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on a cotton ball, and then put the cotton ball in your ear.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Very bad ear pain
●Bleeding or drainage from your ear
●Hearing problems
●Pain when lying on your ear
●New or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Removing objects stuck in the ear (The Basics)
Patient education: Outer ear infection (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use ear drops (The Basics)
