What should you know about the Riester ri-scope L otoscope?

An otoscope combines a light source with a viewing head and a small, disposable or cleaned speculum. The clinician gently places the speculum at the ear opening to look for wax, redness, swelling, fluid, discharge, a foreign object or changes to the eardrum. The ri-scope L name identifies a particular otoscope design; it is a viewing tool, not a diagnosis by itself. The findings are interpreted alongside symptoms such as pain, reduced hearing, ringing or fever. Looking at one ear does not explain every cause of hearing or balance problems.

Usually no special preparation is needed. Tell the clinician if the ear is very painful, has recently been injured, has a history of ear surgery, or contains a hearing device. Do not insert cotton buds, hairpins or drops that were not recommended, because they can irritate the canal or push wax deeper. During the examination, keep your head still and say if the pressure hurts. Children may need reassurance, a caregiver's help and a child-focused consultation so the examination can be paced safely.

Arrange a GP consultation for persistent ear pain, new hearing loss, discharge, repeated infections or symptoms after swimming or flying. Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, a serious head injury, or blood or clear fluid from the ear after trauma. Do not try to remove a suspected foreign object with household tools.

Ask what was seen in each ear, whether wax or infection is affecting hearing, whether treatment is needed, and what symptoms should prompt review. You can also ask whether a hearing test or referral is appropriate.