What Is an Otoscope Used for and Why Is It Important?

Purpose of an Otoscope

The instrument is used as part of a routine physical exam. If a patient is complaining of an earache or hearing loss or feels pressure in their ear, it can help find or point to the potential cause. It can identify wax buildup or help determine whether an infection is limited to the external ear canal. The tool can also identify swelling or the presence of a foreign object.

Parts of an Otoscope

These features allow a practitioner to examine a patient’s ears:

• Handle: Allows the user to hold the device and control it with a power switch and light intensity control; it may also contain batteries.
• Light: Illuminates the ear canal to provide a clear view of outer ear structures.
• Magnifying lens: Provides an even more detailed view of small structures and potential irregularities, at a 3x to 4x magnification.
• Speculum: A conical attachment that aligns the ear canal as it is inserted; it also allows the ear to be examined at different angles.
• Head: Contains the light, lens, and speculum and can be used to examine the ear, nose, or throat.

Depending on the model, the lens may be removable. This allows instruments to be inserted into the ear canal to, for example, remove earwax. A pneumatic otoscope has an attachment point for a bulb that can push air into the ear canal, which helps examine the function of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, in response to pressure changes.

What Can Otoscopes Diagnose?

Aside from earwax, infections, and foreign bodies, otoscopes can detect a variety of disorders associated with the tympanic membrane, including perforations, plaques, and cysts. Abnormalities include a red, tender, or swollen ear canal or the presence of yellowish-green pus; a red, bulging eardrum or one that appears dull or pulled inward; or yellow, gray, or amber liquid/bubbles behind the eardrum. Scars on the eardrum surface or a lack of movement in response to puffs of air are other abnormalities an examiner can look for.

What to Expect During an Ear Examination

An ear exam can be performed just about anywhere. Aside from a doctor’s office, it can be done at a school or workplace. Before inserting the instrument, the ear is pulled back and slightly up (for babies under 12 months, it is pulled downward and out), straightening the ear canal. The speculum is then gently moved into the ear canal to examine the ear without causing irritation. Unless an ear infection is present, the exam usually isn’t painful or uncomfortable.

Purchase an Otoscope from Medical Device Depot

At Medical Device Depot, we supply low-cost, high-quality medical equipment, including sets of otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes. Place your order online or call 877-646-3300 for a live support specialist to answer your questions and provide any assistance you need.