How to Conduct an Otoscopic Examination

What is an Otoscopic Examination

 An otoscopic examination involves examining the ear with the help
of an otoscope to detect possible ear ailments or infections.

 Through this, the user can look at the interior parts of the ear such
as the auditory canal, the eardrum and the tympanic membrane,
with clarity.

 The otoscopic examiner will inspect the area behind the pinna, over
the mastoid bone.

 One can conduct an otoscopic examination at home with the help of
an otoscope. Depending on the quality of the product, the otoscope
price ranges between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 20,000.

 Use the best angle of the otoscope.

 There are also two methods of holding the otoscope.

 The first method, generally used in adults, is with the otoscope
handle pointing upward while you pull up on the auricle.

 The second method is holding the otoscope with the handle
pointing downward while you pull up on the auricle. This is used
in children because of the different angle of the auditory canal in
their ears.

 Move the otoscope gently into the ear. Be alert and stop moving
the otoscope the moment patient records excessive pain.

 Use the largest possible speculum to allow you to visualise the tympanic
membrane better.

 Don't apply too much pressure as that will cause the child to cry and cause
false-positives on pneumatic otoscopy.

 Insert the speculum V4 to V2 inch into the canal and find the landmarks first.

 Obtain a proper seal to prevent false-positive finding.

 If there's need to inject some fluid or medicine for better treatment, one can
use disposable needles.

 Used speculums and needles should be thrown away.

 Don't confuse the tympanic membrane with ear canal.

 Note whether the tympanic membrane is abnormal.

 Remove cerumen if it is blocking your view of the tympanic membrane.

 Use a pneumatic otoscope for better accuracy in diagnosis of otitis media in
children.

 Make sure that there are no leaks in the pneumatic otoscope by putting your
finger over the tip of the speculum and squeezing the bulb. Note the pressure on
the bulb.

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