It’s a scenario that sounds like something out of a horror story. But for many in India, it’s an unsettling possibility that’s all too real. A common household insect, often seen scurrying across kitchen floors or hiding in damp corners, has a peculiar habit of finding its way into people’s ears while they sleep. And it doesn’t just stop at crawling in, its movement inside the ear canal can cause intense discomfort, pain, and in some cases, even temporary hearing loss. Doctors across the world sometimes encounter patients in emergency rooms complaining of strange sensations, buzzing, or sharp pain in their ears, only to discover that the culprit is none other than a cockroach. These nocturnal creatures are drawn to warmth, darkness and narrow crevices, making the human ear an unintentional but ideal shelter. Cockroaches are especially active at night and can be found in abundance in Indian households, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with poor ventilation or food residue. Why this happens Cockroaches are nocturnal scavengers that are constantly on the hunt for food, moisture and warmth. At night, when everything is quiet and dark, cockroaches roam more freely. If someone is sleeping on the floor or close to walls, food items and drains, they become more accessible targets. The ear canal, being a warm and narrow opening, can appear to the insect as just another crevice to explore or hide in. What to do if it occurs If a cockroach does crawl into the ear, it can lead to intense discomfort. The first instinct might be to poke around or use earbuds to get it out, but that can push the insect deeper or damage the eardrum. The safest immediate response is to gently tilt the head to the affected side and avoid inserting anything into the ear. It’s best to seek immediate medical attention, especially if the cockroach is still moving or the pain intensifies. How to prevent it To prevent such nightmarish incidents, maintain cleanliness in and around your sleeping area. Avoid sleeping directly on the floor, especially in areas prone to pests. Seal cracks in walls, repair leaky pipes, and keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and dry. You can also use earplugs at night if you're particularly worried, and ensure windows and drains are covered with fine mesh screens. Keeping your home cockroach-free is the first line of defense against any such unsettling experience.
