What should you know about an otoscope?

A clinician places a clean, single-use or cleaned speculum gently at the entrance of the ear canal and views the magnified area through the instrument. The examination can help show earwax, irritation, swelling, discharge, a foreign object, or changes to the eardrum. A standard handheld otoscope is common in general practice. A video otoscope displays the view on a screen, which can help explain findings, while a pneumatic model adds a controlled change in air pressure to assess eardrum movement when appropriate.

Tell the clinician about pain, discharge, hearing change, dizziness, previous ear surgery, or a possible object in the ear. Keep still while the instrument is positioned, especially during a child’s examination. Do not insert cotton buds, hairpins, or drops unless advised, because they can injure the canal or obscure the view. A Child Health Consultation may include an ear check when symptoms or development make it relevant; adults may have the examination during a GP Consultation.

Seek prompt medical assessment for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, blood or pus from the ear, a significant injury, marked dizziness, or a suspected button battery or other object. In a child, urgent review is also needed if the child is very unwell, unusually sleepy, or cannot be settled because of pain.

Ask which part of the ear looks abnormal, whether wax or infection limits the view, whether hearing should be tested, and what symptoms should prompt a return visit.