Pink otoscope: what to know

An otoscope has a light and magnifying lens. A clinician gently places a clean disposable tip at the entrance of the ear canal to view the canal and eardrum. They may look for redness, swelling, trapped fluid, wax, discharge, a foreign object, or a change in the eardrum.

The colour is a design choice rather than a medical feature. An ear examination may be useful when there is ear pain, reduced hearing, fever, drainage, fullness, or concern after a cold. The instrument does not replace the history and physical examination.

Tell the clinician about pain, hearing changes, discharge, recent swimming, injury, or anything placed in the ear. Keep objects such as cotton buds and hairpins out of the canal, since they can irritate skin or push wax deeper.

During the examination, remain still and mention discomfort promptly. Children may need a calm child health consultation so the clinician can examine safely without forcing the ear.

Arrange a GP consultation for persistent ear pain, new hearing loss, repeated discharge, or symptoms that are not settling. Seek urgent care after a significant injury, if a foreign object is stuck, or if severe pain is accompanied by marked swelling, dizziness, or facial weakness.

Ask what the clinician saw, whether the eardrum was visible, and whether wax, infection, fluid, or irritation explains the symptoms. Ask what changes should prompt follow-up and how to protect the ear while it heals.