Abstract
Background: A foreign object in the ear is a relatively common emergency, and failure to remove it properly or using incorrect methods can cause irreparable damage. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of foreign bodies in the ear, their treatment, and associated complications at Kamkar-Arabnia Hospital in Qom in 2019. Methods: This descriptive study used a census method to include 102 patients referred to Kamkar-Arabnia Hospital with complaints of foreign bodies in the ear. Data were collected using a checklist that included demographic and hospital information, and then analyzed using SPSS 18 with descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The study included 102 participants with an average age of 12.41 ± 7.11 years. Most participants were male (58.9%, n = 60), and the age distribution was as follows: 0 - 6 years (49%, n = 50), 6 - 12 years (30.4%, n = 31), 12-18 years (13.7%, n = 14), and over 18 years (6.9%, n = 7). The most common foreign body was seeds (35.2%, n = 36). Complications were observed in 41.4% of cases, with the majority occurring in the age group of 0-6 years. In this age group, seeds were the most common foreign body, whereas in the age groups 6 - 12 years and 12 - 18 years, seeds were also prevalent. For individuals over 18 years, common foreign bodies included matchsticks, cotton, and plastic. Only 22 patients required anesthesia for removal. Among the age groups 0 - 6, 6 - 12, and 12 - 18 years, most foreign bodies were removed without complications, whereas 5 individuals over 18 years experienced canal bleeding. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for effective preventive measures to avoid the entry of foreign substances in children, emphasizing the importance of proper management to prevent complications.