Peer Reviewed
Practical procedures

How to remove a foreign body from a child’s ear

Josephine Motbey
Abstract
In the previous issue, we covered removal of a foreign body from a child’s nose. Here, the procedure for the ear is discussed. Removal from the ear should be attempted only when the child is co-operative (and can keep still) and the equipment is adequate.
Key Points
    General considerations

    Children insert all manner of foreign bodies into the external auditory canal. Beads, stones and peas are often seen. Once the foreign body is removed, you will often find that there is an underlying problem, such as acute otitis media, that has prompted the child to manipulate the affected ear.

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