Ear Cotton Buds Forgotten in External Ear Canals

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the external canal of the ear are an emergency problem encountered by the otolaryngologist almost every day. Foreign bodies may cause hearing loss, pain, severe itching, ear discharge, tinnitus and vertigo. There is also great risk for complications during the removal of foreign bodies. An 82 years old male patient with dementia suffering from hearing loss, pain, itching and ear discharge in both ears was referred to our clinic as an emergency case. Otoscopic examination revealed multiple nonmetallic foreign bodies, whitish/yellowish cottony material, at both ears. All cotton foreign bodies were removed with alligator in the surgery room without use of any anesthetic agents. The management of patients with ear foreign bodies must be carried out by the otorhinolaryngologist or skilled professional with the use of suitable material to minimise complications or prevent further damages. [Cukurova Med J 2014; 39(2.000): 373-376]

Keywords

• Foreign bodies
• hearing loss
• earache
• itching
• dementia