Aural foreign bodies encountered in a Tertiary Health Facility Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos

Abstract

Introduction-Aural FB is anything but wax lodged in the ear; it could be organic or inorganic, animate or inanimate. Common Fbs are grains/seeds, cotton buds, beads, etc. commonly introduced by children due to curiosity and adventurous exploration of body orifices. Removal by trained personnel and specialists is safe with minimal or no complications but attempts or removal by unqualified personnel can present severe complications.
Method- A three year retrospective study to evaluate aural FB encountered in a tertiary institution; data of 234 patients with aural FBs were collected and analyzed.
Results-234 patients were evaluated, 136 males and 96 females-thus having a M:F= 1.4:1. Most of the FB occurred in the age range of 0-10 years with grains/seeds as the commonest FB. Cotton buds were seen mostly in adults. Most of them were removed in clinic settings without complications.
Conclusion- Removal of aural FBs by untrained or nonprofessionals can present with severe complications thus attempts at removal should be avoided; referral to the trained professionals is advised for a save outcome.