What to know about a Storz video otoscope

A video otoscope is an otoscope with a camera connected to a display. The clinician can inspect the ear canal and eardrum while viewing the enlarged image, which may make findings easier to discuss with you or a child. It can show wax, redness, swelling, discharge, a foreign object or eardrum changes. The image is one part of assessment and cannot replace symptom history, hearing tests or specialist review when those are needed.

Bring details of pain, hearing change, discharge, fever, dizziness, recent swimming, injury and previous ear surgery. Keep still and tell the clinician if the ear is tender. Do not clean deep inside the canal with cotton buds or tools. A GP consultation may be suitable for routine symptoms, and a child health consultation can provide age-appropriate support during the examination.

Book an assessment for ongoing pain, reduced hearing, discharge, recurrent ear symptoms or suspected wax blockage. Seek urgent care for sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo, facial weakness, serious ear injury, or swelling and redness behind the ear. A camera view should never delay emergency help when symptoms are severe.

Ask what the image shows, whether wax removal or treatment is needed, whether hearing should be tested, and when to return. If the examination is for a child, ask how the findings affect school, sleep or language concerns.