Foreign Body in the Ear: A Sticky Solution

To remove an object from the ear,place a drop of topical skin adhesiveor superglue on the wooden end of acotton-tipped applicator. Remove theback lens of an otoscope and slidethe applicator through the opening.Visualize the foreign body and allowthe tip of the applicator to rest on itfor a few seconds without applyingpressure; be very careful not to touchthe ear canal. Withdraw the otoscopeand the applicator--with foreign bodyattached.
-- Kelly Blackwell, DO
   Phoenix