If you like swimming, there is a chance you have an experience with Otitis externa, the ear infection commonly known as ‘swimmer’s ear’. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5,000,000 people are affected by the condition every year in the US. To confirm the condition, an otoscopy is performed using a handheld otoscope, a commonly used diagnostic tool for the ear diseases.
An otoscope is being used for ear examination
In this article, we will learn what an otoscope is and in what ways it is employed in medical practice.
What is an Otoscope?
An otoscope or auriscope is a handheld diagnostic tool for ear diseases. It works by helping the healthcare provider visualize the interior ear with ease by shinning the light into the ear canal. The lens also increases the apparent size of the inner structures.
The latest otoscopes can be connected to a larger screen. This way, a magnified and colored view of the ear can be seen on the screen that facilitates diagnosis. In some otoscopes, called pneumatic otoscopes, the device has a rubber bulb that blows a puff of air into the ear canal. This air moves the eardrum so the healthcare provider/audiologist/otolaryngologist i.e. the ENT specialist can check its condition.
Construction of an Otoscope
An otoscope is simple in its construction. It consists of a head that is mounted with an LED light source to illuminate the interior structure of the ear. In addition, the head also has magnifying lens (typically with a 3X magnification) that enlarges the view to ease visualization. This head is attached to an ergonomic handle.
The tip of the head that has to enter the ear canal is covered with a cone-shaped tip called speculum (pl. specula) that is plastic-based and therefore disposable. These specula come in different sizes to suit patients from different age groups.
Components of an otoscope or auriscope
Uses of an Otoscope
An otoscope can help diagnose many different medical conditions. Some of these include the following:
1. Diagnosis of Ear Infections and Diseases
- Otoscopes can help diagnose ear infections like otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection).
- An otoscope is also employed to see what the problem is if the patient complains of earache or feeling of fullness.
- In case of hearing loss, examining ears with an otoscope can give away the cause.
- Some people naturally produce more earwax or cerumen than others. In such individuals, wax can build up and block the ear canal thus impacting hearing. An otoscopy can help find out if there is a need for earwax removal.
- Ear-related conditions like perforated eardrum or cholesteatoma can also be diagnosed by employing an otoscope.
2. Therapeutic Monitoring
If a patient is on a medication for the treatment of an ear condition, examination with an otoscope can tell if the therapy is working.
3. Removal of Minor Objects from the External Ear Canal
An otoscope can also help remove small objects out of the ear. This can only be done if the object is lightweight as heavy objects cannot be removed by suctioning. Commonly, softened earwax, pus, shed skin cells, or any smaller foreign bodies are the cause of ear problems that can be visualized using an otoscope. Afterward, to clear out these buildups, the head of the otoscope can be replaced with a surgical head.
Otoscopes are necessary medical tools during an ENT examination
How to Use an Otoscope?
Using an otoscope is not a complicated process. Rather, it is easy and uncomplicated to learn about the device so that you can use it in healthcare facilities as well as within home settings. The following section presents a summary of using an otoscope:
- Take out your otoscope from its case and inspect it. Make sure the power button and the light source are working.
- If you have a battery-operated otoscope, fully charge it before use. You can also replace the batteries.
- Attach a suitable speculum on the head of the otoscope based on the patient’s age.
- Describe the procedure to the patient. Let them sit comfortably for the procedure and ask them to tilt their head in a way that the ear to be examined is facing upwards.
- Use your dominant hand to hold the otoscope using your thumb and index finger.
- Place the back of your hand on the patient’s cheek. This way, your hand will remain stable during the process. In addition, the patient also remains safe during the process even if they move due to a reflex action.
- Hold the patient’s ear and move it outwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal.
- Insert the speculum into the ear canal. Avoid abrupt movements as they can result in an ear injury.
- While looking through the magnifying lens, gently move the otoscope to see the interior of the ear.
- Once the examination is done, gently withdraw the otoscope out of the ear canal. Detach the speculum and dispose of it. In the case of the reusable speculum, disinfect it before the next use.
Otoscopes come with removable and single-use tip coverings called specula
Using an Otoscope: Complications and Risks
Despite the fact that using an otoscope is easy and the process is safe, some complications and risks might be associated with the process. Some of these include the following:
- The patient can feel pressure or pain in the ear during an otoscopy especially when they have an ear infection.
- The speculum of an otoscope can damage the ear canal if it is pushed firmly.
- Too much puffed air can rupture the eardrum leading to hearing loss.
- It is common to experience dizziness or vertigo after otoscopy. If the condition persists after several hours, seek medical help.
An otoscope, when used appropriately, is a safe and reliable diagnostic tool
Otoscopes at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
An otoscope is an essential tool for the examination of the ear. It is employed when the patient feels pain and discomfort in the ear. In addition, symptoms like ringing of the ears, feeling of fullness, and headache also give away an ear disease. All of these require proper diagnosis with an otoscope.
Considering their vast usage, otoscopes are manufactured and marketed by many companies. Some of these otoscope brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
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 otoscopes are one of the best products in their domain. These come with an LED source of light needed to illuminate the inner structure of the ear. As the light source is long-lasting, replacements are not frequently required.
The product has high reliability as well as durability as the examination performed using a Welch Allyn 250-2 diagnostic otoscope is highly accurate. As for its durability, the product can be used for many years to come once purchased.
Moreover, these Welch Allyn 250-2 diagnostic otoscopes are easy to clean and maintain after every use. When it comes to a power source, the product requires a 3.5 Volts power.
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 a product that is light in weight and can therefore be carried around easily. The portability of the product also renders it the first-choice of healthcare providers.
These Welch Allyn pocketscope Jr. otoscopes require a corded electric power source as these products do not operate on a battery. In addition, these Welch Allyn pocketscope jr. otoscopes the dimensions of 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches.
25020L 3.5V SureColor LED Diag Fiber-Optic Otoscope, Reuse Spec
US$171.57
Product Details
25020L 3.5V SureColor LED diag fiber-optic otoscope is one of the top-quality items when it comes to choosing an otoscope. These have a bright 3.5 Volts LED light source that ensures the visibility of the ear structures leading to an accurate examination.
Moreover, these SureColor LED diag fiber-optic otoscopes are capable of keeping the interior of the ear cool during the procedure owing to its optic-fiber feature. This solves the issue of patient’s discomfort as bright light often raises the temperature in the ear canal leading to discomfort.
The product comes with reusable specula that are of different sizes and include 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm. This makes the device suitable for patients belonging to all age groups. In addition, the optic-fiber also renders the visualization clearer and the tissues are easily distinguishable.
Furthermore, these 25020L 3.5V SureColor LED diag fiber-optic otoscopes are of pneumatic type. This indicates that these can blow a small puff of air into the ear canal during examination so that the healthcare provider can visualize the movement of the eardrum.
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 otoscope with 3X magnification is one of the best otoscopes available in the market. Its 3X magnification enables the healthcare provider to look into the ear canal clearly by getting a magnified vision of the interior. The light sources, in addition, illuminate the ear tissues to further enhance visualization.
Moreover, these KaWe Combilight®️ C10 otoscopes are also pneumatic-enabled that means these can be employed for the eardrum examination as far as its movement is concerned. The dimmable rheostat allows the adjustment of light intensity to add to the overall focus.
In addition, these KaWe Combilight®️ C10 otoscopes have reusable specula that are of different sizes and dimensions. Furthermore, the durable construction increases the durability as well as longevity of the product. These otoscopes are also free from natural rubber latex that is a known skin irritant.
Welch Allyn 71050-C Otoscope Handle
Welch Allyn 71050-C Otoscope Handle
US$120.62
Product Details
Welch Allyn 71050-C otoscope handle is a rechargeable battery-operated device that comes in silver color. The product has a brass finish with a chrome plating that renders the device long-lasting. The voltage needed to charge the device is 3.5 Volts.
These Welch Allyn 71050-C otoscope handles also have an LED light source that is employed for illuminating the ear tissues. These handles are so designed that they can fit with all the 3.5 Volts instrument heads.
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 comes with an added throat illuminator. This is ideal for ENT specialists during ear, nose, and throat examination. The product has a 2.5 Volts halogen HPX and is battery-operated.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary depending on the vendor.
Otoscopes help see the inside tissues of the ear canal
The otoscope brands 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
Ear infections are common in both children as well as adults, particularly among those who swim or participate in many outdoor activities. To diagnose the condition, an otoscopy is recommended that is done using an otoscope.
An otoscope is easy to use and can help you see inside the ear canal to locate any blockade or minute object stuck inside. If this is the case, there is a need to seek medical help immediately. As otoscopes are essential for ear conditions, these should be kept in every healthcare facility as well as in home settings.
For purchasing different otoscope brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-water-data/waterborne-disease-in-us/results.html
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.
