What should you know about the Welch Allyn PocketScope Jr?

The lighted viewing tip can help a clinician inspect the outer ear, canal and eardrum for redness, swelling, discharge, wax, a foreign object or fluid behind the eardrum. The view is only one part of an assessment. Ear pain, blocked hearing and fever can have several causes, so the instrument cannot identify the cause by itself or determine which treatment is suitable.

Note whether the concern is pain, itching, discharge, reduced hearing or a feeling of pressure, and mention any recent swimming, cold symptoms, injury or attempt to clean the ear. Do not insert objects into the canal. A clinician can choose a suitable tip and stop if the ear is too tender. For a child, bring a familiar comfort item and describe the examination simply.

Use a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for general ear concerns, or a [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) when a child needs assessment. See the overview of an [Otoscope](/technology/otoscope/).

Seek prompt care for severe ear pain, pus or blood from the ear, sudden hearing loss, a lodged object, or symptoms after an injury. Urgent assessment is also appropriate when dizziness, facial weakness, severe headache or marked illness accompanies an ear problem. Avoid delaying care while trying to inspect the ear yourself.

Ask whether the eardrum was visible, whether wax or fluid affected the view, what the likely source of the symptoms is, and which changes should lead you to return. Ask before using ear drops if the eardrum may be damaged.