Earwig Crawling in the Ear: Myth or Truth.
Hamin Jeong1, Jung Eun Shin1, Chang-Hee Kim1
1Otorhinolaryngology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, KOR.
Cureus
|June 7, 2021
Summary
An earwig was found in a man's ear canal, causing tinnitus and pain. The insect was removed, revealing no damage, and his hearing remained normal.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Earwigs (Order Dermaptera) are insects sometimes associated with a historical, unfounded superstition of entering human ears.
- While not brain-eating, earwigs can occasionally enter the external auditory canal.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old male presented with acute left-sided tinnitus and otalgia.
- Otoendoscopic examination identified an earwig within the external auditory canal.
Findings:
- The earwig was successfully removed using ear forceps.
- Post-removal examination showed a normal tympanic membrane and external auditory canal, with no traumatic lesions.
- Audiometric testing confirmed normal hearing function.
Implications:
- This case highlights that earwigs can indeed enter the ear canal, causing symptoms like tinnitus and otalgia.
- Prompt and careful removal is crucial to prevent potential complications and confirm the absence of injury.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual foreign bodies in cases of ear canal discomfort.
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