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During an ear examination, the doctor looks inside your ear using an instrument called an otoscope.
Alternative NamesOtoscopy
How the test is performedThe health care provider may dim the lights in the room.
A young child will be asked to lie on his or her back with the head turned to the side, or the child's head may rest against an adult's chest.
Older children and adults may sit with the head tilted toward the shoulder opposite the ear being examined.
The health care provider will gently pull up, back, or forward on the ear to straighten the ear canal. Then, the tip of the otoscope will be placed gently into your ear. A light beam shines through the otoscope into the ear canal. The health care provider will carefully move the scope in different directions to see the inside of the ear and eardrum. Sometimes, this view may be blocked by earwax.
The otoscope may have a plastic bulb on it, which delivers a tiny puff of air into the outer ear canal when pressed. This is done to see how the eardrum moves. Decreased movement can mean that there is fluid in the middle ear.
How to prepare for the testNo preparation is needed for this test.
How the test will feelIf there is an ear infection, there may be some discomfort or pain. The health care provider will stop the test if the pain gets worse.
Why the test is performedAn ear exam may be done if you have an earache, ear infection, hearing loss, or other ear symptoms.
Examining the ear also helps the health care provider see if treatment for a certain ear problem is working.
Normal ValuesEveryone's ear canal differs in size, shape, and color. Normally, the canal is skin-colored and has small hairs. Yellowish-brown earwax may be present. The eardrum is a light-gray color or a shiny pearly-white. Light should reflect off the eardrum surface.
What abnormal results meanEar infections are a common problem, especially with small children. Middle ear infections may be present if the light reflex is dull or absent. The eardrum may be red and bulging. Amber liquid or bubbles behind the eardrum are often seen if fluids collect in the middle ear.
An external ear infection may be present if the ear canal is red, tender, swollen, painful when wiggling or pulling on the outer ear, or if the canal is filled with yellowish-green pus.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
What the risks areIf the instrument used to look inside the ear is not cleaned properly, an infection can be spread from one ear to the other.
Special considerationsNot all ear problems can be detected by looking through an otoscope. Additional ear and hearing tests may be needed.
Otoscopes sold for at-home use are lower quality than the ones used at the doctor's office. Parents may not be able to recognize some of the subtle signs of an ear problem. If there are symptoms of severe ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness, fever, ringing in the ears, or ear discharge or bleeding, see a health care provider.
ReferencesMurr AH. Approach to the patient with nose, sinus, and ear disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 452.
What else can I help you with?
What shows up on an aural exam?
Examination of EAR
Who uses an otoscope?
An ear examination with an otoscope is usually done by a doctor or a nurse as part of a complete physical examination
What are the structures of the ear and how can they be identified?
The structures of the ear include the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear consists of the earlobe and ear canal, the middle ear contains the eardrum and three small bones called ossicles, and the inner ear includes the cochlea and semicircular canals. These structures can be identified through physical examination, imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, and hearing tests conducted by healthcare professionals.
Can a urine test detect an ear infection?
No, a urine test cannot detect an ear infection. Urine tests are used to detect substances in the urine, while ear infections are typically diagnosed through physical examination and possibly other tests like a tympanometry or a culture of ear discharge.
How is dizziness diagnosed?
Further tests may be indicated by the initial examination. Hearing tests help assess ear damage.
What are the Complete steps of ENT Ear Nose Throat examination?
step one: examine ear Step two: examine nose Step three: examine throat step four: reexamine your life
What personality traits should you possess to become a successful ear nose throat doctor?
fragrant breath; ability to keep patient quiet while doctor switches from examination of ear, nose and throat
What is a ear doctors device called?
An ear doctor's device is commonly referred to as an otoscope. This instrument allows physicians to examine the ear canal and eardrum for signs of infection, injury, or other conditions. It typically features a light and magnifying lens to enhance visibility during the examination.
Does an ear infection show up in a blood test?
An ear infection typically does not show up directly in a blood test, as it is primarily diagnosed through physical examination and symptoms. However, a blood test may reveal elevated white blood cell counts or other signs of infection, indicating that the body is fighting an infection. For a definitive diagnosis, doctors usually rely on otoscopic examination of the ear or other imaging studies.
What has the author W G Scott-Brown written?
W. G. Scott-Brown has written: 'Scott-Brown's Diseases of the ear, nose, and throat' -- subject(s): Otolaryngology 'Methods of examination in ear, nose and throat' -- subject(s): Diagnosis, Diseases, Ear, Nose, Throat 'Diseases of the ear, nose, and throat' -- subject(s): Diseases, Ear, Nose, Otolaryngology, Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Throat
I have this black ear wax will it heal itself or do I need medical attention?
Ear wax naturally darkens as it dries. If you have pain, discomfort, dizziness, or decreased hearing, see your primary health care provider or an urgent care office for examination.
How was Otitis Media discovered?
Otitis media was discovered through clinical observation and examination of the ear. Doctors noticed symptoms such as ear pain, inflammation, and hearing loss in patients, leading to the identification of this common ear infection. Further research and studies have helped to understand the causes and treatment options for otitis media.
