Otoscope: a look inside the ear

An otoscope is a lighted instrument that helps a clinician examine the ear canal and eardrum.

It has a handle, a light and a small cone-shaped tip. The clinician chooses a clean tip that fits comfortably at the entrance of the ear. Looking through the viewing head can reveal wax, irritation, fluid, discharge, a foreign object, or changes in the appearance of the eardrum.

You will usually sit still while the clinician gently positions the outer ear and places the tip only at the opening of the canal. They look in each ear and may compare the two sides. In a child, a parent may be asked to help keep the head steady. The examination itself is brief, and it does not involve putting the instrument through the eardrum.

An otoscope is commonly used when ear pain, reduced hearing, a blocked feeling, ringing, discharge or fever prompts an ear check. It may also be included in a routine assessment when symptoms are not limited to the ear.

An otoscope shows the visible canal and eardrum, but it does not measure hearing or show every part of the middle and inner ear. Wax, swelling or discomfort can obscure the view. A normal-looking eardrum also does not by itself explain every episode of ear pain, dizziness or hearing change.

The clinician considers what they see alongside your symptoms, medical history and examination of nearby areas. Further assessment may be appropriate when the findings and symptoms do not match.

Depending on the concern, an ear examination may be paired with a hearing assessment, examination of the nose and throat, or a closer review by an appropriate clinician. These options answer different questions; they do not simply replace the otoscope view.

The finding can guide the next step, such as clearing wax, treating a visible problem, arranging a hearing check or watching symptoms. Ask what was seen, whether the eardrum was fully visible, and what changes should prompt you to return. A GP Consultation can bring your symptoms and ear findings together; a Child Health Consultation can do the same for a child.

Tell the clinician if touching the ear is painful or if you have had ear surgery. Do not insert cotton buds, hairpins or other objects into the ear before or after an examination, as they can push wax deeper or injure the canal. Seek prompt medical help for severe ear pain, swelling behind the ear, bleeding, sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or a child who seems very unwell.