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Leaving a lasting impression: ear mold impressions as middle ear foreign bodies
Abraham Jacob1, Targhee J Morris, D Bradley Welling
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Objectives:
We describe a series of otologic complications from impression material used to make hearing aid molds.
Methods:
We examined a retrospective case series of patients presenting to a tertiary care academic medical center.
Results:
The presentation, clinical course, and treatment outcomes of 6 patients with complications related to ear molds are discussed. These patients had preexisting abnormalities in their aural anatomy, including tympanic membrane perforations, retraction pockets, and mastoidectomy cavities.
Conclusions:
Although the majority of patients who have ear canal impressions taken experience no adverse outcomes, hearing aid dispensers should perform a thorough history-taking and physical examination to discern those with abnormal anatomy at risk for complications. These patients may benefit from evaluation in conjunction with an otolaryngologist.
