Development and evaluation of a removal device for spherical foreign body in ear canal

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the application effect of a self-made removal device of spherical foreign body in the ear canal in outpatient and emergency department nursing. Methods A removal device for spherical foreign body in ear canal was made. 184 patients with smooth or spherical foreign bodies in ear canal from May 2016 to October 2018 were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group used a removal device of spherical foreign body in the ear canal, while the control group used a traditional cerumen hook or gun forceps to remove foreign bodies. The time of foreign body removal and the removal rate were compared between the two groups, and the satisfaction degree of patients and medical staff were investigated. Results The removal rate of the experimental group was 95.7%, and the removal rate of the control group was 72.8%, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The satisfaction rate of patients in the experimental group was 91.6%, and that in the control group was 52.2%, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The satisfaction rate of medical staff in the experimental group was 92.4%, and that in the control group was 48.4%, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions The self-designed device has the advantages of simple structure, easy access to materials, and low cost. It is more convenient and easier for medical staff to remove the smooth or spherical foreign bodies in the ear canal as the result of less pain of the emotional or physical trauma of the patients, which is worth popularizing. Key words: Outpatient and emergency department; Ear canal; Foreign body; Device design