Wireless headphones swallowed in a dream are considered less dangerous than many other objects, yet they still merit medical внимание. A gastroenterologist, Irina Berezhnaya, Candidate of Medical Sciences, spoke with socialbites.ca about a case in which a schoolgirl from Ufa was hospitalized after swallowing a headset. She emphasized that magnets and batteries pose far greater hazards for children than everyday devices like wireless headphones.
Children have a habit of putting almost anything in their mouths. Jewelry, sharp objects, coins, seeds, and magnets are common items discovered in the digestive tract. According to the doctor, wireless headphones are among the less risky things to swallow because they are encased in plastic and do not actively react with body fluids. In most cases, such devices pass through the gastrointestinal tract and are expelled with the stool. The real danger lies with batteries and neodymium magnets. Batteries can burn or leak harmful substances, while magnets can cling to the esophageal wall and cause serious injury. If multiple rare-earth magnets are swallowed, they may attract each other through intestinal walls, potentially pulling the intestine and causing life‑threatening complications. For surgeons, handling magnet-related injuries is among the most challenging tasks.
Berezhnaya noted that other objects such as stones, coins, and seeds are usually removed without major difficulty if caregivers notice the ingestion promptly. In many cases, doctors can retrieve items endoscopically, especially when they are still in the upper part of the digestive system. If the object has already progressed deeper, a natural passage through the stool is often observed, especially when the item is plastic and smooth. Metal parts or batteries, however, present a significantly more complex scenario and can require more intensive intervention.
In a separate update, a 15‑year‑old female student in Ufa was reported to have swallowed a wireless headset during sleep. The Bashkiria Health Ministry explained that the girl woke with severe throat pain and discovered that one earbud was missing. She was admitted to the surgical department, but emergency surgery was not necessary as the headset passed through the digestive tract without causing harm to the patient.
Medical professionals advise that quick recognition of ingestion is crucial. Parents and caregivers should monitor for signs such as difficulty swallowing, drooling, coughing, chest or abdominal pain, vomiting, or noticeable distress. If an object is suspected to be lodged in the throat or if a child shows any alarming symptoms, seeking immediate medical evaluation is essential. Early assessment helps determine whether endoscopic removal is possible or if monitoring and supportive care are the appropriate course of action. The goal is to minimize risk while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
The broader lesson is clear: while most small, smooth items may pass naturally, certain objects warrant prompt medical attention. Batteries and magnets demand particular caution due to their potential for rapid and serious injury. Caregivers should keep a close watch on what children put in their mouths, secure small objects out of reach, and seek professional guidance if ingestion is suspected. Medical teams emphasize that prevention, swift assessment, and appropriate intervention are the pillars of safety in such incidents.