<p>Impacted foreign bodies in the ear are a common otologic presentation, but entrapment of a thread around the malleus handle is a very rare event. This is a case of a woman with chronic otitis media, mucosal, active type with central perforation who experienced severe otalgia after using the loose end of her saree to clean ear discharge repeatedly. A single fibre thread with a loop entered through the tympanic membrane perforation and became tightly knotted around the handle of the malleus when she pulled back the saree. Repeated attempt to remove caused excruciating pain as the malleus was getting pulled. Microscopic removal of the thread was done slowly with the help of a probe &amp; a pick. This unique case emphasizes the risks of traditional practices in managing ear discharge and the importance of public awareness emphasising the risk of ossicular dislocation &amp; hearing loss.</p>