How do I Use an Otoscope for Home Use?

The long speculum of the otoscope can be used to view the ear to check for problems.

An otoscope is a medical instrument used to view the outer and middle ear. It has a long viewing tip called a speculum, a light, and a magnifying lens to help illuminate and view the ear canal to look for infections and other ear issues. There are several types of otoscopes that can be used at home.

Position

The patient should be sitting and the viewer using the otoscope should be standing.

Examination

Each ear should be examined in turn and a comparison made between them to see whether there is anything that stands out as unusual and might raise concern. To view the ear canal as fully as possible in a small child, tug lightly on the earlobe. To view the inner parts of an older child or adult ear, pull on the ear gently. Insert the speculum carefully and continue to insert it farther until you can see the ear drum at the end of the canal. Do not thrust the speculum in too far or too hard.

Diagnosis

If any part of the ear looks red, swollen or full of pus, consult a doctor.

References

• WebMD.com: Home Ear Examination
• Student British Medical Journal: How to Use an Otoscope

Resources

• The Internet Journal of Otorhinolaryngology: Uses of an Otoscope
• DrMomOtoscope.com: Otoscopes