Foreign Body Outline

MEDICAL TERM
Same

AGE
Most commonly seen in the 4 year old

SYMPTOMS

• Pain
• Buzzing
• Drainage
• Hearing loss

PHYSICAL EXAM

• Bug in the ear
• Greenish drainage

Most common complaint is pain

LAB

• Conductive hearing loss
• Tympanometry – Unable to do study because of pain

TREATMENT

• Removal in the office
• Antibiotic ear drops
• Antibiotics  by mouth
• Pain medication

Emergency treatment for a “bug in the ear” is to fill the ear canal with oil and leave it in place until the bug is dead. Most patients do not require any medications after the foreign body is removed.

REFERRAL
All children with this problem need to be seen by their doctor.

PREVENTION