Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the properties and treatment approaches for foreign bodies detected in patients diagnosed with foreign body in external auditory canal.

METHODS: Data of 158 patients (61 males, 97 females; mean age 21.6 years; range 2 to 71 years) who were diagnosed with foreign bodies in external auditory canal and treated in our clinic between January 2013 and July 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient files were evaluated in terms of demographics, type and location of foreign body, clinical symptoms, delay in hospital visit, applied treatment, and complications.

RESULTS: Of the patients, 114 were children under the age of 16, and 44 were adults. Foreign bodies were in right ear in 101 patients, and in left ear in 57 patients. Most common external auditory canal foreign bodies were beads and insects in children, and insects in adults.

CONCLUSION: Foreign body in external auditory canal is a commonly observed condition in urgent ear, nose, and throat cases. Foreign bodies in external auditory canal should be removed by an experienced doctor or ear, nose and throat specialist utilizing proper techniques and tools. Serious complications might occur if foreign bodies are not removed carefully.