A 10-year-old boy woke up with pain in his right ear and discovered that a cockroach had crawled inside while he was sleeping. The insect became trapped in his ear canal, and various medical tools had to be used to remove it.
The procedure was recorded by emergency physician Larry B. Mellick, who demonstrated different techniques for removing a cockroach from the ear in the video. The procedure was performed with the consent of the boy and his mother and was later published as educational material for emergency medicine professionals and students.
Although the situation may seem simply unpleasant, an insect trapped in the ear can be difficult to remove. The ear canal is narrow, and any attempt to push the object farther inside can cause injuries, even to the eardrum. For this reason, when a foreign object cannot be removed easily, it is recommended that a professional examine it.
For insects, doctors may use substances such as lidocaine or mineral oil to immobilize them and make removal easier. The technique depends on the insect’s location and whether there is any prior injury to the ear.
Mellick’s video shows this type of procedure and is part of a channel dedicated to teaching emergency medicine techniques through real cases. The recording offers a close-up look at an unusual situation that, although it may seem extraordinary, can end up requiring medical attention to prevent damage to the ear.