Otoscope . Instrument consisting of a speculum and a light source, used for the inspection of the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane.
Summary
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- 1 Features
- 1 Parts
- 2 Exam
- 3 Sources
characteristics
The otoscope is an instrument with a light beam that helps to visualize and examine the condition of the ear canal and the eardrum. Examination of the ear may reveal the cause of some symptoms such as pain or feeling of fullness in the ear or loss of hearing.
Parties
An otoscope consists of 3 parts:
- The handle, which contains the battery for the light source.
- The head, which contains the bulb and a magnifying lens.
- The cone that is inserted into the ear canal.
Exam
Otoscopy
The Otoscopy is a test to examine the ear canal and eardrum. According to the appearance of the tympanic membrane, information can be obtained regarding the middle ear (eg: in otitis media, the eardrum is erythematous and bulging).
To carry out the examination, the otoscope is used, which is an instrument with a light source and a set of cones (or speculums) of different diameter. Before the cone, a magnifying lens (magnifying glass) is located, which allows you to see better. The larger diameter cone that fits well into the ear canal is used and inserted with a slight tilt forward and down. To facilitate the introduction of the cone and to have a better view of the eardrum, the external ear canal is “straightened” by pulling the ear up and out. The patient’s head tilts slightly to the opposite side.
In the outermost part of the canal, hairs and frequently some amount of earwax are observed. Sometimes the earwax completely covers the vision (earwax plug).
