An Unusual middle ear foreign body in a welder; our experience

Abstract

Introduction: Welding accidents commonly present as burns, electrocution, skin injuries and penetrating foreign body in the eyes, face and neck. Ears are usually uninvolved, but the possibility of foreign bodies in the external ear canal or even in the middle ear should always be considered in non-resolving ear infections in welders.

Case Presentation: A thirty-year old welder presented with ear discomfort and swollen ear canal and initially diagnosed and managed as otitis externa. But since it failed to resolve, he was extensively investigated and a metallic foreign body was identified in the middle ear, which was removed via endoscopic tympanotomy.

Conclusion: This case highlights the fact that small sharp foreign bodies can penetrate through the tympanic membrane and leave an almost invisible perforation which heals completely. But in suspicious or symptomatic cases further investigations such as an X-ray or Computed Tomography [CT] scan might be needed to confirm diagnosis.