Medrx otoscope: what to know

An otoscope provides light and magnification so a clinician can look for wax, canal swelling, discharge, irritation or changes behind the eardrum. A clear view may be difficult when wax, pain, narrow canals or movement gets in the way. The appearance of an ear must be interpreted alongside hearing changes, fever, pain, recent swimming, injury and the person's age.

Do not push an otoscope, cotton bud or other object into the ear. Home images can be hard to interpret and should not delay an examination. For a child, keep the device out of reach and avoid examining a painful ear unless a trained professional has shown you how. Note whether symptoms affect one or both ears and whether there is discharge, reduced hearing or dizziness.

Arrange medical review for persistent ear pain, discharge, reduced hearing, fever or symptoms after swimming or an injury. Seek urgent help for sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, a foreign object, blood after trauma, or a child who appears seriously unwell. A clinician may need to remove wax or examine the ear with additional tools.

Ask what was visible, whether wax or infection is present, whether hearing should be checked, which drops are safe, and what signs should prompt a return visit.