Presentation and management of aural foreign bodies in two Australian emergency departments

Abstract

Objective: To survey and compare the type and management of foreign bodies found in adult and paediatric ears presenting to an Australian otorhinolaryngology and a general ED. Methods: Retrospective case study with data collated from two centres. Chart reviews of a total of 330 patients presenting with aural foreign bodies to the ED of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the ED of The Bendigo Hospital, both situated in the state of Victoria, Australia, were surveyed for patient demographics, foreign body description and referral and removal pattern. Results: Two hundred and seventeen adults and 113 children were included in the study. The most common foreign bodies in children were ..