Epidemiological characteristics and surgical management of external auditory canal foreign bodies: A 16-year single center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

External auditory canal foreign bodies (EAC-FBs) are common otologic emergencies across all age groups. While many cases are managed outpatient, some require surgery with risk of complications. This study analyzed epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for surgical management of EAC-FBs over a 16-year period at a single center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 411 EAC-FB cases from November 2008 to June 2024. Data on demographics, FB type, removal methods, surgical need, and complications were collected. Foreign bodies were categorized into eight types and analyzed by age group, season, and treatment outcome.

RESULTS

The mean age was 27.78 ± 22.63 years; adults comprised 48.8 % of patients. The peak incidence occurred in summer (29.7 %). Surgical intervention was required in 10.2 % of cases, with higher rates in preschoolers (27.5 %) and patients with prior hospital visits (31.6 %). The most common FBs were insects (27.3 %) and ear-related medical supplies (25.1 %), with age-specific patterns. Toys were predominant in preschoolers (47.1 %), while adults more often had insects or medical items. The overall complication rate was 1.9 %, increasing to 19.0 % in surgical cases.

CONCLUSION

EAC-FBs display age-dependent patterns in FB type and treatment outcome. Preschool children and patients with prior visits are at higher surgical risk. Although overall complication rates are low, those requiring surgery have substantially elevated risk. Careful initial evaluation and early referral are essential, along with age-specific management and prevention strategies.