Aural foreign body removal: there is no one-size-fits-all method

Figures & data

Figure 1 Instruments commonly used for removal of aural foreign body.

Note: From left to right: L-shaped hook, Rosen needle, wax curette, ring curette, crocodile forceps, three sets of microsuckers of varying sizes, sucker connecter with finger hole, and refashioned hypodermic needle.

Figure 2 AFB being removed using the lasso technique.

Abbreviation: AFB, aural foreign body.

Figure 3 Flowchart describing what to do when presented with an AFB.

Note: The aim is to reduce the number of attempts, preferably to achieve success on the first try as often as possible.
Abbreviations: AFB, aural foreign body; FB, foreign body.