TY - JOUR ID - TI - Analysis of Ear Foreign Bodies in Adult Patients AU - Abdulhusein Mizhir Almaamuri PY - 2018 VL - 15 IS - 3 SP - 197 EP - 200 JO - Medical Journal of Babylon مجلة بابل الطبية SN - 1812156X 23126760 AB - Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear are frequently encountered by an otolaryngologist. Certain types of ear FBs in our adult patientsmay reflect negative phenomena in our community. Objectives: This study was carried out to analyze the main types of adult aural FBs andto highlight the increasing frequency of already known types and more interesting newly known type of FB. Materials and Methods: Thisis a prospective descriptive study of adult patients with aural FB seen in the ENT Department in Al‑Mahawil Hospital for the 2 years – 2015and 2016. The clinical presentation, type of FB, and management outcome were analyzed. Results: Two hundred and thirty‑two patientsaged 18–82 years were evaluated. Cotton wool (of the earbuds) was the most common FB with 93 (40%) patients (male: 54, female: 39)aged 21–82 years; the insect FB with 78 (33.7%) patients (male: 32, female: 46) aged 18–58 years; and garlic with 36 (15.5%) patients (male:15, female: 21) aged 25–74 years; the newly known interesting FB put by the students into their ears during the examination was Bluetoothdevice in 15 (6.5%) patients (male only) aged 18–23 years; and miscellaneous FBs such as paper, broken matchstick and clinics were found in10 (4.3%) patients (male: 7, female: 3) aged 35–60 years. All the FBs were unilateral and removed successfully without anesthesia, except fourcases removed under general anesthesia. Complications did occur such as otitis externa: 8, bleeding and laceration: 6, and abrasion: 10. Thecomplications were mainly due to previous unsuccessful trials and delayed referral. Conclusion: The increased abuse of earbuds causes moreincidence of FB in the ears. We have seen more garlic in the ears because of misunderstanding of some traditional thoughts. Moreover, recently,we observed new FB, Bluetooth device objects in the ears of students. Health education of the general population is necessary for prevention.

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