If you have ever been affected with an ear infection? If yes, you must be familiar with otoscopes, the ear examination tools that help visualize the interior ear by shining a bright light into the ear canal. These otoscopes also have a magnifying lens to increase the image size as well as a reusable or disposable tip called a speculum. In the case of reusable tips, cleaning the otoscope specula becomes essential to reduce the risk of infection transmission.
Otoscope specula are available in both disposable and reusable options
In this article, let us learn about the cleaning and maintenance of otoscope specula. Moreover, for the reader’s convenience, some of the top otoscopes available in the US have also been linked.
What are Otoscope Specula?
A speculum (pl. specula) of an otoscope is the cone or funnel-shaped tip that is inserted into the ear canal during examination. It is a detachable component of the device that allows the healthcare provider to look into the ear and observe if there are any signs of a disease or infection.
These reusable or disposable specula are lightweight and easy to attach and detach from the otoscope head. Moreover, their construction material is food-grade plastic that is non-toxic and free from natural rubber latex to minimize the risk of irritation.
Functions of Otoscope Specula
Disposable ear specula push the ear tissue to the sides gently so that the ear canal can widen and thus visualization is improved.
Why is the Sterilization of Otoscope Specula Necessary?
The used otoscope specula as well as the otoscope heads harbor microbes that can get transferred from one person to another. Studies have confirmed the presence of bacteria like Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus on these components of the otoscopes.
In addition, Aspergillus species of fungi are also likely to be present in most cases. Some instruments can also have Candida albicans. These pathogenic organisms can be removed from the otoscope specula if they are subjected to thorough cleaning and sterilization.
Disposable specula can be easily mounted and dismounted on the otoscope head
Sterilization of Otoscope Specula
To sterilize the otoscope specula, the following steps serve as a guide. However, if your healthcare facility has preset guidelines about cleaning and sterilizing otoscope specula, consult them first. Moreover, the otoscope manufacturers also provide cleaning instructions with the products that are also often helpful.
1. Removal of Visible Debris
The first step in cleaning the used otoscope specula is the removal of the visible debris. A soft brush can be used for this purpose. The specula can also be held under running water to allow the cleaning of the debris. However, the use of fresh hot water and detergent is also recommended if the running water is not enough.
2. Soaking in Disinfectant Solution
Once the visible debris has been cleaned, the next step is to soak the otoscope specula in a suitable disinfectant solution for at least 20 minutes. This helps clear out all the microbes that can potentially cause an infection.
Disinfectant Solutions
The disinfectant solutions used for wiping the otoscope specula have the following active chemical agents:
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
- Cetrimide
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Dichlorometaxylenol
- Diluted bleach solution
It is important to remember that all of these solutions are not suitable for metal items.
Specula of different sizes help accommodate patients from different age groups
3. Rinsing and Drying
After thorough cleaning and sterilization, the otoscope specula should be washed with a running stream of water. This will allow the removal of disinfectant solution from the otoscope specula. Once cleaned, these should be put on a clean and dry cloth until they are completely air-dried.
4. Storage
Once the otoscope specula have been dried, store them in a clean and dry container until future use.
Caution
While cleaning and sterilizing the otoscope specula, always remember the given instructions:
- Never sterilize the otoscope head as it has several electrical components. Rather, just wipe it with a lint-free cloth dipped in a suitable disinfectant solution. Apart from this, commercially available disinfectant wipes can also be employed.
- Dipping the plastic-based otoscope specula for too long in the disinfectant solution can result in the deterioration of the product.
- If the disinfectant solution is stale, it might have become ineffective against microorganisms. As a result, there may be microbial buildup that could increase the risk of infections rather than decrease it.
- If cleaning and maintaining otoscope specula is difficult, opt for disposable ones that can be discarded after a single use.
- The use of gloves must be ensured while handling used otoscope specula.
Most otoscope brands provide multiple specula with the product
Diagnostic vs. Operating Otoscopes: Features, Components & Specs at Health Supply 770
Otoscopes are the ear examination systems that are employed in almost every healthcare facility. These are often used in homes for doing a preliminary ear examination before visiting a healthcare provider.
While learning what diagnostic and operating otoscopes are and how they work, it is important to look into some of the good quality otoscope brands as well. Some of these otoscopes as well as their components are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Welch Allyn KleenSpec Disposable Specula for Pneumatic, Operating & Consulting Otoscopes 52133 CS/10BG
Welch Allyn KleenSpec Disposable Otoscope Specula 52133
US$350.57
Product Details
Welch Allyn KleenSpec disposable specula are made up of non-toxic plastic that has a low environmental impact and is also non-irritant to the skin. These come in a 3 mm size that is suitable for children as well as adults. The product can be fitted directly on the otoscope head without the need for any adaptor for connection.
These Welch Allyn KleenSpec disposable specula are suitable for pneumatic, operating, as well as consulting otoscopes. The products are single-use and must be disposed of after use. This not only promotes hygiene but also eliminates the need for frequent cleaning and sterilization.
Each pack of these Welch Allyn KleenSpec disposable specula contains 10 boxes each of which further has 50 specula. This accounts for 500 pieces per case in the price mentioned above.
Welch Allyn Diagnostic Otoscope – With LED 250-2
Welch Allyn Diagnostic Otoscope – With LED 250-2
US$250.88
Product Details
Welch Allyn 250-2 diagnostic 3.5 Volts otoscopes are products that are long-lasting and have high durability. These come with an LED light source that delivers bright light in the ear canal. Moreover, due to the long-lasting nature of the LED light bulbs, the need for frequent replacements is also eliminated.
These handheld Welch Allyn 250-2 diagnostic otoscopes are easy to clean and maintain. This allows keeping the product free from microbes and thus prevents the occurrence of infections. Moreover, the product is highly reliable and accurate and has high suitability for use in healthcare facilities.
Welch Allyn Pocketscope Jr. Otoscope with Aa Handle, Pocket Clip 22840
Welch Allyn Pocketscope Jr. Otoscope with Aa Handle, Pocket Clip 22840
US$74.88
Product Details
Welch Allyn pocketscope Jr. otoscope with Aa handle is one of the budget-friendly otoscopes that are available in the market. These are small in size and compact in their design, and that’s why are highly portable. Due to this feature, healthcare providers often prefer them as these can be clipped to the lab coat pocket with ease.
In addition, these Welch Allyn pocketscope jr. otoscopes with Aa handles have the dimensions 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches. The product comes with an otoscope head, a handle, as well as some otoscope specula. Due to its high accuracy, easy maintenance, as well as low price, these Welch Allyn pocketscope jr. otoscopes are also suitable for home-based use in addition to their employment in healthcare facilities.
25020L 3.5V SureColor LED Diag Fiber-Optic Otoscope, Reuse Spec
US$171.57
Product Details
25020L 3.5V SureColor LED diag fiber-optic, pneumatic-enabled otoscopes come with multiple specula of different sizes. These include 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm sizes. The smaller ones are suitable for pediatric patients while the larger ones are for adults. In addition, the product also has a 3.5 Volts LED light source that delivers glare-free and consistent illumination.
The absence of a glare ensures that this pneumatic product offers high clarity and improved visualization. Moreover, these SureColor LED diag fiber-optic pneumatic otoscopes also maintain a low temperature inside the ear canal. This is important because the temperature often elevates due to the illumination. As a result, the patient feels heat inside the ear that makes them uncomfortable.
KaWe Combilight®️ C10 Otoscope with 3X Magnification #20-850-000
KaWe Combilight®️ C10 Otoscope with 3X Magnification #20-850-000
US$184.88
Product Details
KaWe Combilight®️ C10 otoscopes are one of the best products in this domain available in the US market. The magnifying lens attached to these otoscopes has a magnifying power of up to 3X which is enough for the ear canal. As for the light source of the device, it provides bright and consistent illumination that is glare-free. Owing to this feature, the ear examination becomes highly accurate and error-free.
Moreover, these KaWe Combilight®️ C10 otoscopes also come with a dimmable rheostat that allows the adjustment of light intensity for a clearer view. Furthermore, the device comes with otoscope specula of different sizes to accommodate patients belonging to all age groups. These specula are also reusable so can be subjected to cleaning and sterilization.
In addition, these KaWe Combilight®️ C10 otoscopes also allow the inspection of the eardrum by blowing a puff of air into the ear canal. This air strikes the eardrum that vibrates and thus shows if it is intact or ruptured.
Welch Allyn 71050-C Otoscope Handle
Welch Allyn 71050-C Otoscope Handle
US$120.62
Product Details
Welch Allyn 71050-C otoscope handles are rechargeable systems that can mount an otoscope head on them. The purpose of these heads is to provide stability to the head and thus help examination.
The product uses a 3.5 Volts power and is battery-powered. The color of these Welch Allyn 71050-C otoscope handles is silver. Moreover, the product is lightweight and highly durable due to its chrome plating and brass finish.
Welch Allyn PocketScope Otoscope with Throat Illuminator 22821
Welch Allyn PocketScope Otoscope with Throat Illuminator 22821
US$198.88
Product Details
Welch Allyn PocketScope otoscope with throat illuminator is a product that serves two functions. This can be employed for ear examination like all other otoscopes. In addition, the product is also suitable for throat examination. Due to this 2-in-1 function, otolaryngologists or ENT specialists prefer it over other related items.
Moreover, these Welch Allyn PocketScope otoscopes have a bright light source based on 2.5 Volts of halogen HPX that illuminates the ear and throat for the diagnosis of diseases and infections. The product is battery-operated and thus rechargeable.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Otoscopy is the best way to visualize the interior ear
The otoscopes as well as otoscope specula mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of otoscopes.
Conclusion
Otoscopes are ear examination tools that are inserted into the ear canal. The light from its light source illuminates the interior ear followed by its magnification by the magnifying lens. To widen the ear canal for easy examination, a cone-shaped plastic tip is attached at the end of the otoscope that is to come in contact with the patient’s ear.
These detachable tips called otoscope specula come in both disposable as well as reusable forms. In the case of disposable products, discarding them after a single use is necessary. However, the reusable specula needs to be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized after every use. This reduces the risk of infections that could be transmitted from one person to another.
Considering how important otoscopes are, it is best to buy them now for home use or your healthcare facilities. For purchasing different otoscope and otoscope specula brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23644940/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/03005364000000065
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
