using an otoscope

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

1. Introduce yourself to the patient, check their details and gain consent.
2. Attach a clean otoscope funnel (use the largest that will fit in the patient’s ear) to the instrument and
   ensure that the battery and light source are functioning.
3. Explain to the patient what you are about to do.

Question 2

examination

Answer 2

4. Look at the outer ear for any redness or secretions or any evidence of ear surgery/hearing aid
   fittings.
5. Ask, “Do you have any pain in your ear?”. To examine the patient’s right ear, hold the instrument in
   your right hand between your index finger and thumb and end pointing parallel to patient’s face.
   Gently pull the patient’s pinna upwards and backwards to straighten the external auditory meatus.
6. Insert the otoscope gently into the ear canal. Observe the external auditory canal, then identify the
   tympanic membrane and note its characteristics. Identify the ossicles beyond it (see wall charts in the
   Skills Lab and pics from textbook).
7. If there is suspected infection in one ear only, remember to change the funnel before going on to
   repeat the process in the other ear.

Question 3

presenting

Answer 3

Refer to the picture of the normal anatomy of the tympanic membrane for how to describe it – normal
would be something like, “The tympanic membrane looks to be completely intact, and there is no
redness, swelling or grommets. I can’t see any fluid behind the membrane. The cone of light is
present and I can see the handle of the malleus. Everything appears to be normal”.