An otoscope or auriscope is a medical device used by healthcare professionals to examine the ear canal and eardrum.[1][2][3] This may be done as part of routine physical examinations, or for evaluating specific ear complaints, such as earaches, sense of fullness in the ear, or hearing loss.[2][3]

Usage

Function

An otoscope enables viewing and examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane (eardrum).[2] As the eardrum is the border between the external ear canal and the middle ear, its characteristics can indicate various diseases of the middle ear space.[citation needed] Otoscopic examination can help diagnose conditions such as acute otitis media (infection of the middle ear), otitis externa (infection of the outer ear),[citation needed] traumatic perforation of the eardrum, and cholesteatoma.[3]

The presence of cerumen (earwax), shed skin, pus, canal skin edema, foreign bodies, and various ear diseases, can obscure the view of the eardrum and thus compromise the value of otoscopy done with a common otoscope, but can confirm the presence of obstructing symptoms.

Otoscopes can also be used to examine patients' noses (avoiding the need for a separate nasal speculum) and upper throats (by removing the speculum).[citation needed]