What should you know about the view from an otoscope?

An otoscope provides light and magnification through the ear opening. A clinician may look for wax, redness, swelling, fluid, a foreign object or changes to the eardrum. Normal-looking tissue does not always explain pain, pressure, tinnitus or hearing difficulty, and a limited view can occur when wax or discomfort blocks the canal.

The image is one part of an assessment. The clinician may compare both ears, ask about recent infections or injury, and check hearing or balance when symptoms suggest a problem beyond the visible canal.

Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the ear. Mention discharge, pain, hearing change, dizziness, recent flights, swimming, injury and any ear drops used. After the examination, use only the treatment recommended for the finding; some drops are unsuitable when the eardrum may be damaged.

Seek prompt assessment for sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, bleeding, a trapped object, significant dizziness, facial weakness or discharge with fever. Get urgent help after a head injury or if symptoms rapidly worsen. Children who are very unsettled, unusually sleepy or not drinking need timely review.

Ask: Could you explain what is visible? Was the eardrum seen clearly? Is wax, infection, fluid or injury present? Do I need hearing testing, treatment or follow-up? Which symptoms should bring me back sooner?