Cholesteatoma typically causes perforation in the superior part of the TM and there may be visible granulation tissue and discharge in this region. Scarring Klaus D. Peter, Gummersbach, Germany. Adapted by Geeky Medics. Basal cell carcinoma. Licence: CC BY 3.0 DE. An otoscope–also known as an ear magnifier, ear light or auriscope–is a medical instrument that is typically used to examine the eardrum and external ear canal. The type and model of otoscope you use will always be determined by your specific requirements–whether you are a veterinarian, a paediatrician or an ENT specialist. Low-set ears: the ears are positioned lower on the head than usual. Low-set ears are a feature of several genetic syndromes including Down’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome.

By carefully advancing the speculum down into the external auditory meatus you will see the external ear canal and tympanic membrane. Inspect the conchal bowl for signs of active infection such as erythema and purulent discharge. Palpation Confirm the patient can hear the sound of the tuning fork and then ask them to tell you when they can no longer hear it.U.S. Patent 4,006,738, " Otoscope construction ", William C. Moore, John D. Connors, Richard W. Newman, 1977. These results should be assessed in context with the results of Weber’s test before any diagnostic assumptions are made: Otitis externa is an inflammatory condition of the outer ear that can affect the auricle, external auditory canal and external surface of the tympanic membrane. The condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Typical findings on examination include erythema of the auricle and external auditory canal with associated pain. Other findings may include oedema of the auditory canal causing narrowing, regional lymphadenopathy and discharge in the ear canal. On the near chart, there is also an Amsler chart for assessing macular disease and a matching card if the patient is very young or having difficulty with expressive language.

Sensorineural deafness: air conduction > bone conduction (Rinne’s positive) – due to both air and bone conduction being reduced equally Repeat your assessment on the other ear, comparing your findings. If the patient has an infection in one ear, you should change the speculum on the otoscope before examining the other ear.Robustness, high precision and reliability are essential features that should be taken into account when buying an otoscope. But criteria such as light focus, level of detail and authentic colour rendering are decisive too. Otoscopy is an examination that involves looking into the ear with an instrument called an otoscope (or auriscope). Scarring of the TM is known as tympanosclerosis and can result in significant conductive hearing loss if it is extensive. The otoscope should be held in your right hand for the patient’s right ear and vice versa for the left ear.