Spirit otoscope: what it is and how it is used

An otoscope has a handle, light source, viewing head and a small disposable or reusable speculum that sits at the entrance of the ear canal. The clinician uses it to look for wax, swelling, discharge, a foreign object, redness, a perforated eardrum or changes behind the eardrum. “Spirit” may refer to a particular traditional instrument or brand description; the useful feature is the illuminated view, not the name alone. An ear examination cannot by itself explain every cause of hearing loss, dizziness or pain.

Tell the clinician about pain, discharge, recent swimming, hearing change, injury and anything placed in the ear. Keep children settled and avoid inserting cotton buds, oils or objects before assessment. During the examination, remain still and report tenderness immediately. The clinician may compare both ears, check hearing or recommend another test if the view is blocked by wax or the symptoms do not match the ear findings.

Arrange prompt medical care for severe ear pain, sudden hearing loss, blood or pus from the ear, a suspected foreign object, or fever with swelling around the ear. Emergency assessment is needed for new facial weakness, severe dizziness, confusion or a serious head injury. A Child Health Consultation may be useful when a child has recurrent ear symptoms, feeding difficulty or delayed responses to sound.

What did you see in the ear canal and at the eardrum? Is wax blocking the view? Do I need a hearing test, treatment or follow-up? Which symptoms mean I should return urgently?