EAR FOREIGN-BODY REMOVAL - A REVIEW OF 98 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Although patients with external auditory canal foreign bodies present frequently, there is scant literature on the topic other than case rep orts. A study of 98 consecutive patients referred over a 1-year period to otolaryngologists at a large urban county hospital was undertaken. Fifty-seven percent of these patients were over 12 years of age. A da ta form was completed by the otolaryngology resident removing the fore ign body. Fifty-three percent of the cases had undergone one or more p revious attempts at removal prior to the otolaryngologist's attempt, u sually by an emergency room physician. Method of removal included use of a microscope in only 6% of previous attempts, while otolaryngologis ts used a microscope in 91%. Canal wall lacerations were present in 48 % of patients following previous attempts at removal by other health-c are professionals, but were found in only 4% of removals by an otolary ngologist. Recommendations include use of a microscope for removal and referral to an otolaryngologist if the foreign body is not readily re moved by the primary-care physician.