Hydroscopic Properties of Organic Objects That May Present as Aural Foreign Bodies
Author Information
Author(s): Julie C. Brown, Sidrah Rizvi, Eileen J. Klein, Rachel Bittner
Primary Institution: University of Washington School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aimed to analyze the hydroscopic properties of different organic foreign bodies in body temperature water.
Conclusion
Many organic substances that frequently present as aural foreign bodies may swell enough in water to lodge tightly in the ear canal.
Supporting Evidence
- Dried kidney beans swelled the most, increasing in volume by 1268%.
- Popcorn kernels and dried peas did not swell enough to lodge tightly in the ear canal.
- The study provides information that supports better clinical practice decisions for ear foreign body removal.
Takeaway
Some beans and dried fruits can get really big when soaked in water, making them hard to take out of a child's ear.
Methodology
Organic substances were soaked in a 37°C water bath, and their volume was measured at various time points up to 48 hours.
Limitations
The study did not include all types of organic foreign bodies and focused only on a limited number of substances.
Participant Demographics
The study involved organic substances typically found in children's ears, but no specific participant demographics were provided.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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