Introduction
This is a common presentation in ENT emergency practice.
Children are usually involved as they insert various objects into their ears while playing: including beads, plastic toys, seeds, etc
Live insects may also crawl into the ear in adults/children
Clinical features
- Symptoms are often absent
- Little pain (sometimes)
- Sensation of blockage may be reported by older children
- Object usually seen with good light in the ear canal
Differential diagnoses
- Impacted wax
- Otitis externa
Complications
- Otitis externa
- Perforation of tympanic membrane from attempts at removal
Treatment objectives
- Remove object expeditiously without damage to ear structures or causing undue pain to patient
Non-drug treatment
- Removal by ear syringing
- Removal with appropriate hook, or alligator forceps
- Examination and removal under anaesthesia if difficult in the clinic
Prevention
- Vigilant supervision of young children.