Abstract
Answer D. Urgent referral to ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeons
Techniques for removal of ear foreign bodies depend on the nature of the foreign body. This includes irrigation (contraindicated in tympanic membrane perforation) or instrument removal. Instrumentation should only be attempted under direct vision by a trained practitioner owing to the risk of tympanic membrane perforation and canal laceration. Live insects should be killed before attempted removal by drowning in olive oil or lignocaine. Drowning in water should be avoided due to swelling of organic matter by osmosis. If the foreign body is not easily removed in primary care, referral to an otolaryngologist should be made.
InnovAiT article: Blocked ears. DOI: 10.1177/1755738020906189.