One of the frequent emergencies in ENT is a foreign body in the external ear canal. Most patients are kids whose curiosity leaves them with pins and beads in the ear. Some of them can be pushed so hard that they?re stuck inside a narrow canal which makes it difficult to remove them. One has to be extremely cautious when trying to take them out. Inappropriate handling and use of improper tools can lead to iatrogenic damage to the external ear, rupture of the tympanic membrane and even discontinuity of the ossicles.

Pictures on the side show different foreign bodies in the ear: insects and a metal ball.