Irrigation: For loose small objects (less than 2 mm in diameter), such as small insects, sand, or dirt Suction-tipped catheters: For objects that are soft (such as molding clay), that crumble on palpation, or that are round, smooth and difficult to grasp (eg, small beads) Manual instruments (eg, cerumen loop curettes, right-angle hooks): For removal of a wide variety of objects, including large insects, cotton tips, button batteries, and large beads If a button battery in the ear cannot be easily removed, an otolaryngologist should be promptly consulted because a battery or magnet can be difficult to remove and can cause significant damage in just a few hours (See also Foreign Bodies in the Ear.)