Clinical Approach After Complicated Ear Mold Fitting: A Case Series of Six Patients and Evaluation of Literature

OBJECTIVES: Insertion of mold material into the middle ear is a complication of molding procedure for ear impression. These cases are referred to an ENT specialist. There is no standardized approach to this problem. Literature shows different clinical strategies. The aim of this study is to share our experience and to analyze the adverse outcome of different clinical approaches. METHODS: A case series of six patients with molding material inside the middle ear after complicated molding procedure for swimming earplugs are described. Additionally, available literature was reviewed to analyze results of the clinical approach after iatrogenic molding procedures. Forty-nine ears were included. RESULTS: In-office removal of the material is associated with a significant risk of adverse outcome if the eardrum cannot be examined. This also accounts for ossicular involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal bone CT is advised in patients after complicated ear mold fitting if the tympanic membrane cannot be examined completely or the middle ear is involved. Blind removal should be avoided. Retroauricular transcanal tympanotomy or transmastoidal tympanotomy with facial recess approach is best practice in case the mold material has entered the middle ear. A clinical treatment algorithm is presented.