FREQUENCY OF FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR AMONG PEDIATRIC PATIENTS PRESENTING TO THE ENT DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Ear foreign bodies are a common pediatric otorhinolaryngological emergency and frequently present to outpatient and emergency departments. Children are particularly vulnerable because of exploratory behavior and accidental insertion of small objects into the external auditory canal. Delayed presentation or inappropriate removal attempts may lead to complications including canal trauma, otitis externa, and tympanic membrane injury. Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of ear foreign bodies among pediatric patients presenting to the ENT Department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of ENT at Ayub Teaching Hospital over a six-month period from 15 October 2024 to 15 April 2025. A total of 173 pediatric patients aged 1–14 years presenting with suspected ear foreign bodies were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. Demographic characteristics, type and nature of foreign bodies, side of involvement, clinical presentation, and complications were recorded on a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 173 patients, the most commonly affected age group was 4–6 years, accounting for 68 (39.3%) cases, followed by 7–10 years in 47 (27.2%) patients. Male children predominated, with 102 (59.0%) cases. Inorganic foreign bodies were more common than organic foreign bodies, observed in 99 (57.2%) and 74 (42.8%) patients, respectively. Beads were the most frequently encountered foreign bodies in 41 (23.7%) patients, followed by seeds/grains in 36 (20.8%) and cotton pieces/cotton buds in 24 (13.9%) cases. Right ear involvement was noted in 94 (54.3%) patients, while bilateral involvement was observed in 6 (3.5%) cases. The most common presenting complaint was ear pain or irritation in 92 (53.2%) patients, followed by history of foreign body insertion in 86 (49.7%) and ear discharge in 41 (23.7%) patients. Most patients had no complications following impaction or removal of the foreign body (149; 86.1%). External auditory canal abrasion was the most frequent complication, occurring in 13 (7.5%) patients, while tympanic membrane injury was observed in 3 (1.7%) cases. The tympanic membrane remained intact in 170 (98.3%) patients after removal. Conclusion: Ear foreign bodies are a common pediatric ENT presentation, particularly among younger children and males. Inorganic objects, especially beads, were the most frequently encountered foreign bodies. Most cases were managed successfully with minimal complications when evaluated and treated promptly in a specialized ENT setting. Early recognition, appropriate referral, and increased parental awareness may help reduce morbidity associated with pediatric ear foreign bodies.