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Types of Otoscopes
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Otoscopes are used to visualize the inside of the ear. It is used for ear checkups. But there are actually several types of otoscopes. Each has its own feature or characteristic which makes it ideal for certain situations.
If otoscopes are to be classified according to power source, then there are two types. One is hand held or battery operated and the other is the wall-mounted otoscope. As what the name suggests, wall-mounted otoscopes are attached to the wall. But unlike the handheld otoscopes, wall mounted otoscopes are AC powered. One big advantage of using one is that AC power is rather continuous so one can use it in extended time. Cords do tend to be shorted though so movement is also limited. This type has two types as well. It can have a closed head or it can have an open head that allows instruments to be inserted as needed during ear examination. However, it is used as one would use a hand-held otoscope. This type of otoscopes is mostly used in clinics where there is a permanent checkup area.
A hand held otoscope is usually battery operated. It usually has a dial for light adjustment. It also has a magnifying lens and ear specula. There is also what is called the pneumatic otoscope. The advantage of using a pneumatic otoscope is that its magnification panel can be slid to the side. This is, however, only to the advantage of doctors who would rather work on the side than through the speculum.
Another type is the video otoscope. It is also a like a regular hand held otoscope. The only difference is that video otoscopes have miniature video on the head. The video signal is processed by a video control while everything is recorded. Video otoscopes have optional printer which the output would be a snapshot of the eardrum. There would also be a monitor on which the ear canal and the eardrum can be viewed from. One advantage of using this type of otoscope is that the images or the video can be magnified like when it is attached to a larger monitor. The patient will be able to observe what is detected or seen during the examination too.
These are some of the commonly used types of otoscopes. While there are many manufacturers making these instruments, the important this is they are capable and very efficient in helping the doctor or the examiner aid in visualizing the inside of the ear.
It’s important also that the right speculum is used. Different sizes are available for different ages. While adults may need bigger speculum children would need smaller sizes. When the work needs maneuvering through the speculum, a larger diameter is needed. But when the doctor needs to work on the side of the speculum, a smaller size should be used. And since the speculum is the part that would touch the ears of the patient, it is important that it is sterilized after each use so as to make sure that it would be clean for the next patient.
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