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Using an Otoscope
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An otoscope is essentially a device used for the examination of the ears. An otoscope can be used to examine not just the external ear but the eardrum and the ossicles of the middle ear as well. It is used to diagnose several diseases related to the ears.
An otoscope has three parts. It has a light and a magnifying lens. And then it also has a device used for insufflations. What the doctor or the examiner usually does is to insert the ear speculum on the external ear. He would straighten the ear canal by pulling the cartilage leading the external ear. With the ear speculum now properly in place, the examiner can now view the inside of the ear at the end of the otoscope head.
Some otoscopes have a sliding rear that allows insertion of instruments so that earwax removal may be permitted. Other otoscopes would also permit blowing puffs of air through the speculum to test the mobility of the tympanic membrane.
Doctors or examiners may hold otoscopes in two ways. They can either hold it like a hammer or like a pencil. Holding it like a hammer is the most convenient for most people but it’s less safe. Holding it like a pencil is safer. This allows the examiner to place his fingers on the patient’s temple so that when the patient suddenly jerks the speculum tip will not easily touch the ear canal and inflict pain on the patient. That’s why doctors and medical students alike should aim to master the pencil grip.
Before examination, doctors should tell the patients that they would feel a little uncomfortable when the ear speculum is inserted. This way the patients will be forewarned and they would stay still during the whole examination. The examiners must start the examination with the good ear. This way he will be on the lookout for any abnormalities all throughout the examination. The tendency for physicians is to relax once an abnormality is detected. But when he has not yet seen any then he will be more vigilant in looking for one. Starting with the good ear also gives the examiner a view of how a normal ear would look like. The spread of infections would also be prevented.
When using the otoscope, it’s important that batteries are sufficiently charged. Or else, the light may be dim so viewing the inside of the ear may become difficult. The examination will not be complete and accurate. When using the otoscope, the view one sees is not automatically optimal. Some adjustments may be needed. For example, the otoscope may be positioned wrongly at first that the doctor may only see the posterior canal wall. This may appear like a red drum to him but if he adjusts or tilts the otoscope or if he straightens the canal farther he will also be able to examine the inside of the ear more properly. The examiner will be able to detect abnormalities or he will be able to tell when he’s seeing a normal ear.
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