What should you know about the Welch Allyn rechargeable otoscope?

A clinician selects an appropriate viewing tip, gently positions the ear and directs light into the canal. The examination may show wax, redness, swelling, discharge, a foreign object or changes to the eardrum. Rechargeable power affects how the handle is maintained; it does not make the instrument a diagnostic test. The findings are combined with symptoms and, when needed, hearing or balance assessment.

Tell the clinician about pain, itching, discharge, blocked hearing, ringing, dizziness, recent swimming, a cold, an injury or attempts to clean the ear. Keep still and report tenderness. Do not place tools or cotton buds in the canal. If the instrument is used in a clinic, staff should use an appropriate clean or disposable tip and handle the device according to their clinical procedure.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can assess ongoing ear symptoms. Children can be seen in a [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/). Learn about the [Otoscope](/technology/otoscope/).

Arrange prompt assessment for severe pain, pus or blood, sudden hearing change, an object stuck in the ear, or symptoms after an injury. Seek urgent help for severe dizziness, facial weakness, confusion, a severe headache or rapid deterioration. A device examination cannot rule out every cause of hearing, balance or neurological symptoms.

Ask what was visible, whether wax or swelling limited the view, whether the eardrum looked intact, and whether you need hearing testing or follow-up. Ask how to protect the ear while it heals and which warning signs should change the plan.