Category
Diagnostic
Typical Use
Inspect ear canal and tympanic membrane.
Description
A handheld instrument with a light source and magnifying lens used to examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane for signs of infection, perforation, cerumen impaction, or foreign bodies. Otoscopy is a routine part of pediatric and adult examinations and helps guide diagnosis of otitis media, otitis externa, and other ear pathologies; pneumatic otoscopy adds assessment of tympanic membrane mobility. Proper technique includes gentle traction of the auricle for alignment, appropriate speculum size, and attention to patient comfort to obtain an adequate view. Findings on otoscopy should be correlated with history, symptoms, and, when necessary, audiologic testing for comprehensive evaluation.