Disc battery in the ear

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Disc battery in the ear

Disc batteries (button cell batteries) are used in toys, watches, hearing aids, cameras, calculators, and some remote-control devices. These batteries are small, usually less than in diameter, and can easily be inserted into the ear.

A disc battery in the ear must be removed immediately. The moist tissue in the ear canal can cause the battery to release strong chemicals (alkali) quickly, often in less than 1 hour. This can cause a severe burn and scarring in as little as 4 hours.¹

If you or your child has a disc battery in the ear, you may be able to remove the battery at home. To remove a disc battery from the ear of a child, have the child lie across your lap and try the following:

If the battery is partially out of the ear, you may be able to remove it with your fingers or blunt-nosed tweezers.
- Be careful not to push it farther into the ear.
- If the child resists or is not able to hold still, do not attempt to remove the battery.
- Do not use eardrops or sprays of any type; this may cause the battery to corrode more quickly.
After the battery has been removed, some minor bleeding from the ear may occur. This usually is not serious and will stop on its own.
Do not use eardrops or other solutions in the ear after removal of a disc battery. This may increase the risk of infection if the ear drum has been injured.

If you are not able to remove the disc battery, contact your health professional immediately. If you are not able to contact your health professional, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

References

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Citations
Dolitsky JN, Ward RF (2001). Foreign bodies of the ear, nose, airway, and esophagus. In RA Hoekelman et al., eds., Primary Pediatric Care, 4th ed., pp. 1482–1486. St. Louis: Mosby.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated	February 13, 2008

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Last updated:	February 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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