What should you know about surgical otoscope?

An otoscope has a handle, light and viewing head, often with a clean disposable speculum. A clinician gently positions the instrument at the entrance of the ear canal to look for wax, irritation, swelling, discharge, a foreign object or changes to the eardrum. The view can help explain ear pain, reduced hearing, discharge or a feeling of blockage.

The examination is brief, but a tender or inflamed ear can feel sensitive. The clinician may examine both ears and compare them. An otoscope does not by itself identify every cause of hearing or balance symptoms; further assessment may be needed.

Tell the clinician about pain, discharge, fever, recent swimming, injury, hearing change, dizziness, or anything placed in the ear. Keep still during the examination, especially when a child is being assessed. Do not insert cotton buds, hairpins or drops unless a clinician has advised them, because these can irritate the canal or make an injury worse.

A GP or child health consultation can include an otoscope examination alongside questions and other checks. The clinician may recommend treatment, watchful follow-up or referral depending on what is seen.

Arrange prompt assessment for new hearing loss, persistent ear pain, discharge, fever, or a suspected foreign object. Seek urgent help after a significant head injury, for severe dizziness, facial weakness, swelling behind the ear, or a child who is very unwell or difficult to wake.

Ask what the otoscope shows, whether the eardrum can be seen clearly, what may be causing the symptoms, and whether hearing or follow-up tests are needed. For a child, ask which signs should prompt urgent review and how to keep the ear comfortable.