Management of Foreign Bodies in the Ear Canal

Steven D Curry; Anne K Maxwell

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2023.06.002

Management of Foreign Bodies in the Ear Canal

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2023 Oct;56(5):881-889. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.06.002. Epub 2023 Jul 27.

Authors

Steven D Curry¹, Anne K Maxwell²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 981225 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-1225, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 981225 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-1225, USA. Electronic address: anmaxwell@unmc.edu.

PMID: 37516654
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.06.002

Abstract

Using the appropriate instruments and techniques for removing a foreign body from the external auditory canal facilitates the procedure and reduces the risk of complications. Most ear foreign bodies can be addressed on a nonurgent basis, but batteries and caustic materials warrant prompt removal. Referral to an otolaryngologist should be considered for difficult cases or after a failed attempt.

Keywords: Button batteries; Ear; Ear canal; External auditory canal; Foreign body; Otology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ear
Ear Canal*
Electric Power Supplies
Foreign Bodies* / surgery
Humans
Otolaryngologists