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An unusual case of ear mould impression material as a foreign body in the middle ear: case report
D Manjunath1, S Vadlamani1, S K Gaur1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, India.
Background:
The occurrence of retained ear mould impression material is rare and can lead to complications. The current case report describes one such complication, where the silicone impression material used to take the impression of the ear canal flowed into the middle ear through the pre-existing tympanic membrane perforation. Five days later, the patient presented with worsened hearing and blood-tinged discharge from the ear. Ear microscopy revealed a greenish foreign body in the middle ear.
Case Report:
The foreign body was removed by tympanotomy and the perforation repaired using a temporalis fascia graft. A hearing aid was prescribed after ensuring that the perforation had healed.
Conclusion:
It is essential that the audiologist perform a basic otological examination before prescribing a hearing aid and preparing an ear mould. A clinical approach algorithm for audiologists, for prior to taking an impression, is suggested.
Insights
Retained ear mould impression material rarely causes complications. In this case, silicone flowed into the middle ear through a tympanic membrane perforation, requiring surgical removal and highlighting the need for audiologist otological screening.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Retained ear mould impression material is a rare occurrence with potential complications.
- Silicone impression material entered the middle ear via a pre-existing tympanic membrane perforation.
Observation:
- Patient presented with hearing loss and otorrhea five days post-impression.
- Ear microscopy identified a greenish foreign body in the middle ear.
Findings:
- Successful removal of the foreign body via tympanotomy.
- Repair of the tympanic membrane perforation using a temporalis fascia graft.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for audiologists to conduct otological examinations before ear mould impressions.
- Suggests a clinical algorithm for audiologists to prevent such complications.
