Recently, Mr. Deng from Jiangmen, Guangdong, suffered a perforated eardrum after being bitten by a cockroach while sleeping in a short-term rental in Shenzhen. He now requires tympanic membrane repair surgery, which will also affect his hearing.
When an insect enters the ear, its frantic struggles can easily damage the outer ear canal, causing intense pain. If not addressed promptly, the insect may continue crawling inward, injuring the eardrum and impairing hearing.
So what should you do in such a situation?Statistics show most people resort to four methods: digging with fingers, smoking with cigarettes, shining flashlights, or drowning with cooking oil.
What is the correct approach in such emergencies?
1. Digging with fingers is the least advisable method. Insects may react by moving in the opposite direction, potentially piercing the eardrum and causing infection.
2. Smoking the ear is ineffective because the ear canal is a blind-ended cavity with poor air circulation, preventing smoke from entering.
3. Light exposure can work, particularly for moths, which will crawl toward the light source. However, this method is ineffective against beetles.
4. Instilling oil-based solutions into the ear is the most effective approach. This method can directly kill certain insects, and even if some survive, it significantly restricts their mobility while minimizing harm to the human body. Of course, the best course of action is to seek prompt medical attention for professional treatment.