Ear Otoscopy: What Is an Ear Otoscopy?

Otoscopy Software Module

Examine The External Ear Canal and The Eardrum with Otoscopy

Often the first exam during an audiology appointment, otoscopy is a non-invasive medical procedure used to examine the external ear canal and the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It involves the use of an otoscope, a handheld device equipped with a light source and magnifying lens. This tool allows hearing healthcare professionals to visualize the structures of the ear and identify any abnormalities.

Go to our video Otoscope

Video Otosccope Auditdata Measure Campaign

Performing Video Otoscopy

Provide Individual Service for Every Patient

The Measure Video Otoscopy Software Module facilitates the dialogue with the patient, which contributes to higher customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

What Are The Benefits of Otoscopy?

Patient Education

As otoscopy should be completed before earphones or tympanometry probes are placed in the ear, it can shape a patient's initial perception of their hearing healthcare provider. This quick exam serves as a tool to facilitate meaningful conversations with patients regarding their hearing health.

Non-invasive Examination

Otoscopy, a procedure that usually takes mere seconds, gives providers insight into their patients' ear canal and tympanic membrane health. A myriad of conditions, such as cerumen impaction, exotoses, and even fluid in the ear, can be visualized with otoscopy.

Ensure Validity of Other Examinations

Other audiological examinations such as pure tone audiometry and tympanometry rely on clear ear canals. Otoscopy should always be performed before these assessments to ensure the ear canal is clear of excessive cerumen, dry skin, or foreign bodies as any of these would affect the validity of your results.

What To Look for When Performing Otoscopy?

	Normal	Abnormal
Outer Ear (Pinna)	Present, typically formed pinna No redness swelling, or pain expressed by patient	Manipulating the pinna causes pain Redness or swelling of the pinna
Ear Canal	Clear of foreign bodies Non-occluding yellow or brown cerumen	Pain with speculum insertion Redness, swelling, pus, moisture, occluding cerumen, hard blackened cerumen, white fungal debris, presence of foreign body Presence of plastic PE tube in the ear canal rather than the eardrum
Tympanic Membrane	Tympanic membrane is pinkish or gray in color and has some degree of opacity Anatomical landmarks can be visualized (i.e. cone-of-light, umbo, handle of malleus, pars flaccida, pars tensa)	Cone-of-light is dull or absent Visible perforation Red inflamed eardrum Bulging or retraction Visible liquid or bubbles behind tympanic membrane Tympanic membrane scarring Prescence of plastic PE tube (white, red, blue, green, etc.) in the ear drum

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