Type of Foreign Body | Management |
Insects | Immobilize with lidocaine 2%, olive oil, mineral oil, or alcohol drops, then flush out with water. |
Seeds (e.g., beans, peas) | Urgent ENT referral for removal by suction or hook. (Avoid irrigation or oil to prevent swelling.) |
Super Glue | Manual removal after 1-2 days (post desquamation) or refer to ENT if the eardrum is involved. |
Earwax Build-up | Use a few drops of olive oil to soften hard wax. |
Batteries | Immediate ENT referral for removal within 24 hours. |
Spherical Objects (e.g., pencil rubber) | Remove using a hook. |
In Intellectually Disabled Persons | ENT removal under general anaesthesia. |
i. Difficulty in Removal: When there is any challenge in removing the foreign body.
ii. Sedation Required: If the patient needs sedation to facilitate removal.
iii. Uncooperative Patient: If the patient is uncooperative (e.g., a person with autism, intellectual disabilities, or a very young child).
iv. Tympanic Membrane (TM) Perforation: If the TM is perforated.
v. Adhesive Contact with TM: If an adhesive (e.g., super glue) is in contact with the TM.