Foreign bodies of the external auditory canal

Abstract

Most adult patients who have a FB lodged in the EAC will have obvious and uncomplicated presentations; however, the emergency physician must be aware that unusual presentations do exist in adults, and that children frequently do not present with a straightforward history. To date there have not been any controlled studies to help guide the emergency physician in optimal approach to the removal of a FB from the EAC. Currently each clinician must turn to those techniques with which the patient is comfortable and has found successful. Several approaches and instruments are available for removal, including irrigation, suction, forceps extraction, or combinations of these. If the presentation is complicated or attempts at controlled extraction unsuccessful, it is best to refer the patient.