How to use an otoscope
Instruksi
Read on to learn what an otoscope is and how to use it to check a person’s ears.
What is an otoscope?
An otoscope helps you to check for ear problems by making it easier to see clearly inside a person’s ear.
Before using an otoscope make sure the otoscope light is working.
Pertanyaan
What action may help if the otoscope light is not working?
Pilih dua jawaban.
Jawaban yang benar adalah a dan c.
It is helpful to have a spare battery and bulb. Replacing the battery or bulb may help.
Jawaban b tidak tepat.
Do not tap the otoscope. It may damage it.
What is a speculum?
The speculum is an attachment on the otoscope which goes inside a person’s ear canal.
Different size speculums can be attached to the otoscope.
Pertanyaan
Ukuran spekulum mana yang sebaiknya Anda gunakan untuk memeriksa bagian dalam telinga seseorang?
Pilih satu jawaban.
Jawaban yang benar adalah b.
Ear canals are different sizes. Choose the largest speculum that fits comfortably into the person’s ear canal.
Before using an otoscope:
- Clean the speculum with cotton wool and disinfectant
- Pasang spekulum pada otoskop.
Instruksi
Watch the video on preparing to use an otoscope.
Kegiatan
In pairs, practise checking and preparing the otoscope.
How to check inside ears
Prepare the person
Always ask permission before checking a person’s ear and explain what you are going to do.
If the person agrees, make sure the person is seated and that you are at their ear level.
If the person is a young child, it may be easier for them to sit on their family member’s knee.
If the child has difficulty keeping their head still, a family member can gently hold their head during the examination.
Wash your hands
Peringatan
Always wash your hands with soap and dry them before and after an ear check.
Check for pain and discharge
Before looking inside the person’s ear:
- Gently push the tragus and check if the person has any pain. Pain could indicate an ear problem. If the person has pain, avoid using the otoscope or use it very gently
- If there is any sign of discharge, remove it first.
Instruksi
You will learn more about how to remove ear discharge in the next topic.
Persiapkan telinga
The ear canal has a natural curve and is not straight. Using the hand that is not holding the otoscope, pull the back of the ear upwards and backwards to straighten the person’s ear canal. This makes it easier to see inside their ear.
In a young child pull the pinna straight back (not upwards). Keep the pinna held during otoscopy.
Always be gentle when holding and pulling the pinna. It can be painful!
Memegang otoskop
Hold the otoscope in your right hand if you are examining the person’s right ear, and your left hand if you are examining the person’s left ear.
Pegang otoskop seperti memegang pulpen.
Kiat
Putting one finger on the person’s cheek bone can help to keep the otoscope steady.
Masukkan spekulum
Do not insert the speculum too deeply into the ear canal. You should not need to insert more than half the length of the speculum.
Rasa nyeri dapat timbul karena spekulum tidak diarahkan dengan tepat atau spekulum masuk terlalu dalam. Rasa nyeri juga dapat disebabkan oleh infeksi pada telinga luar.
Peringatan
Always insert the otoscope gently to avoid causing pain or damage. Stop the examination if the person experiences pain.
Look inside the ear. If you cannot see the eardrum, ear wax may be blocking the view, or the otoscope may not be positioned correctly.
Gently adjust the position of the speculum upwards and forwards (towards the person’s eye).
Kiat
Always check both ears!
Practice using an otoscope
Instruksi
Watch the video of a person demonstrating how to use an otoscope to check a person’s ear.
Pertanyaan
1. After watching the video organize the steps into the correct order by numbering them 1 to 3. You may need to watch the video again.
Correct order:
- Explain what you are going to do and ask permission
- Gently pull back pinna to straighten ear canal
- Hold otoscope like a pen
2. Which hand would you hold the otoscope when examining the person’s left ear?
Pilih satu jawaban.
Left is correct!
Hold the otoscope in your left hand if you are examining the person’s left ear.
3. When checking a child’s ear, which direction would you gently pull the pinna?
Pilih satu jawaban.
Straight back is correct!
Gently pull the child’s ear straight back to straighten their ear canal.
Kiat
Steady otoscope by resting your little finger against person’s cheek.
Kegiatan
In pairs, with an otoscope:
- Select a suitable size speculum to fit comfortably inside the person’s ear canal
- Gently press the person’s tragus on each side to check for tenderness
- Practise holding the otoscope and person’s ear correctly
- Look at the person’s ear canal and eardrum.
Could you see your partner’s eardrum clearly using the otoscope?