Last night, my 20 month old grabbed a bobby pin & shoved it in his ear. I don't think it was terribly deep, (my husband pulled it out & said there wasn't any resistance on in when he pulled it,) but it was enough to make him cry. It didn't take long to calm him once it was out but, here's my real concern: he had tubes put in 3 months ago. There wasn't any bleeding and I checked it several times before we went to bed, and again this morning and still didn't see anything. He slept well so he doesn't seem to be too affected- but I'm worried that maybe I should take it more seriously? He'll be having his re-check from the ENT in a week or 2 so, would it be bad to wait until then to have it checked if he doesn't seem to be having any issues from it?
Thanks, everyone for the advice! I actually called & talked to the nurse practitioner & she said the same thing- he would have been in a lot more pain for a lot longer, had the damage been severe. She told me to just watch it closely for blood &/or drainage...so far he's still doing great. Our appt is less than a week away now so, i think he'll be alright.
Oh yeah, HUGE lesson learned! all of the bobby pins are lost from the baby's reach now, for sure!
thanks again!
I would say if he isn't having any issues from it such as pain or hearing loss then he should be perfectly fine and you can wait the two weeks.
If it was me, I would call the nurse and ask for her recommendation.
A.,
Of course there is no way to know for sure without examination but would think that he would be having more difficulty if damage was done. If there is no drainage or bleeding he is probably OK. If it was me I would wait - unless something changes in the mean time.
I would not take any risks. Make an emergency appt. w/ your ENT or pediatrician. Have them look. You can not tell much w/ your naked eye. I would not take chances with my child's ears or hearing. At least you'll have the peace of mind knowing a professional says everything is ok.
If he punctured his ear drum believe me, you would know it. He would scream and no amount of cuddling would stop his crying. It's VERY painful. He probably cried when your husband pulled the bobby pin out of his ear because of the way your husband acted. I'm sure he jumped to move quickly, and with purpose (as he should have done). It probably scared him more then anything. Which is good! Maybe he will never do that again.
I would take him to an Emergency Room today, or try to get him in with his ENT doctor today or tomorrow! I have had my eardrum punctured by a twig (long story) and it is quite painful and can put you at risk for severe infection. My cousin punctured hers with a q-tip a week ago and hers became infected and then she got an infection throughout her body. So please do not take any chances, and get him to a doctor ASAP.
I'd take him to his pediatrician right away for quick look-see. Good luck!
my little girl jabbed a long bobby pin in my ear that hit my ear drum.....it was the most horrible pain I have felt and if I were a baby, i would have screamed forever, because it hurt for days and it did bleed some. But that was just my experience. I H. all is well!
I would get your boy to a Dr. or Emergency Room today. You need to know if he punctured the ear drum and if he did, did he do any damage to the middle ear. Call the ENT and tell them what he did can you bring him in today? Most Drs try to accomodate for kids being kids.
Good luck. I hope it is nothing.
S.
Things like this should always be looked at by a pediatrician, or at least call the nurse line. Don't wait 2 weeks, you have no idea if he did any damage.
If he isn't having any issues, I think you are OK to wait until your appoinment but I would mention it. AND, keep those bobby pins out of his reach! LOL
