How to use an otoscope
Instruction
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.
Question
What action may help if the otoscope light is not working?
Select two.
If you selected a and c, you are correct!
It is helpful to have a spare battery and bulb. Replacing the battery or bulb may help.
b is incorrect.
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.
Question
Which size of speculum should you use to look inside a person’s ear?
Select one.
If you selected b, you are correct!
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
- Place the speculum onto the otoscope.
Instruction
Watch the video on preparing to use an otoscope.
Activity
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
Warning
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.
Instruction
You will learn more about how to remove ear discharge in the next topic.
Prepare the ear
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!
Holding the otoscope
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.
Hold the otoscope as you would hold a pen.
Tip
Putting one finger on the person’s cheek bone can help to keep the otoscope steady.
Insert the speculum
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.
Pain can be caused by not directing the speculum correctly or by inserting it too deeply. Pain can also be caused by infection of the outer ear.
Warning
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).
Tip
Always check both ears!
Practice using an otoscope
Instruction
Watch the video of a person demonstrating how to use an otoscope to check a person’s ear.
Question
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?
Select one.
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?
Select one.
Straight back is correct!
Gently pull the child’s ear straight back to straighten their ear canal.
Tip
Steady otoscope by resting your little finger against person’s cheek.
Activity
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?