A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting the further diagnostic step:
- General physical examination
- Palpation (palpation) of facial/jaw bones.
- Verification of tragus tenderness [yes = V.a. otitis externa (ear canal inflammation), no = V.a. otitis media acuta (acute middle ear infection)]
- ENT medical examination
- Inspection (viewing) of both ears including otoscopy (ear examination): assessment of the eardrum:
- Discolored or dull, bulging (AOM) or.
- Retracted (tympanic effusion (synonym: seromucotympanum)), fluid level, effusion.
- Inspection of the pharynx [tonsillitis (tonsillitis)?, polyp?]
- Inspection (viewing) of both ears including otoscopy (ear examination): assessment of the eardrum:
Square brackets [ ] indicate possible pathological (pathological) physical findings.