The presence of certain findings may indicate that a foreign body in the external auditory canal should be removed by a specialist, possibly under anesthesia.
Criteria for specialist removal of a foreign body:
(1) lack of proper instrumentation and lighting
(2) uncooperative child who cannot be restrained
(3) multiple unsuccessful attempts at removal
(4) object wedged against or injury to the tympanic membrane
(5) object wedged in or significant injury to the external ear canal
Features of the object:
(1) glass or other sharp-edged object
(2) insect
(3) putty
(4) disc battery
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