What should you know about professional otoscope?

The device has a handle, light and a small viewing tip called a speculum. A clinician gently places the tip at the entrance of the ear canal and looks for wax, swelling, discharge, a foreign object or changes to the eardrum. The view can help distinguish problems affecting the outer ear from findings deeper in the middle ear. A professional instrument provides a clearer, safer examination than inserting household objects into the ear.

Tell the clinician about pain, discharge, hearing change, dizziness, recent swimming, injury or previous ear surgery. Keep the ear free of cotton buds and do not try to remove a suspected object yourself. Children may find the examination easier when held securely by a trusted adult, with a calm explanation beforehand. The clinician may examine both ears and compare the findings before discussing treatment or follow-up.

Arrange prompt assessment for new hearing loss, significant ear pain, discharge, a foreign object or symptoms after an ear injury. Seek urgent help for severe dizziness, facial weakness, swelling behind the ear, sudden major hearing loss or a child who appears seriously unwell. An otoscope examination is especially useful when symptoms cannot be assessed reliably at home.

Ask what was seen in the canal and on the eardrum, whether wax removal is needed, which treatment is suitable, and when hearing or ear symptoms should be reviewed.