I'm All Ears: A Population-Based Analysis of Consumer Product Foreign Bodies of the Ear

Authors

Alexandra H. Helbing, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Alexander J. Straughan, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Luke J. Pasick, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Daniel A. Benito, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Philip E. Zapanta, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

8-1-2022

Journal

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

Volume

131

Issue

8

DOI

10.1177/00034894211045638

Keywords

consumer product safety; cotton-tipped applicators; ear foreign bodies; foreign bodies; jewelry foreign bodies; national electronic surveillance system

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the nationwide incidence of ear foreign body (FB) presentations to the emergency department (ED) and analyze the most common FB consumer products encountered. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was evaluated for ED visits that included "ear foreign bodies" from 2010 through 2019. The most frequent foreign bodies were identified and organized by demographics. RESULTS: A total of 20,545 ear FB cases were found, with an estimated 608,860 ED visits nationwide. Female patients (56%) were more likely to have jewelry and first aid equipment FBs. Males between the ages of 5 and 15 years were significantly ( < 0.05) more likely to have paper products, pens/pencils, and desk supplies in their ears. CONCLUSION: Ear FBs represent a substantial proportion of healthcare expenditures. Although children are the most commonly affected individuals, all ages require further education and preventive measures.

APA Citation

Helbing, Alexandra H.; Straughan, Alexander J.; Pasick, Luke J.; Benito, Daniel A.; and Zapanta, Philip E., "I'm All Ears: A Population-Based Analysis of Consumer Product Foreign Bodies of the Ear" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1537.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1537

Department

Surgery