Otoscopy refers to the reflection of the ear, more specifically the reflection of the external auditory canal and the eardrum. This examination method is one of the standard methods in otolaryngology.
Indications (areas of application)
- Hearing changes such as hypacusis (hearing loss).
- Diseases of the external auditory canal – such as otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal).
- Injuries to the eardrum
- Inflammation of the eardrum – such as myringitis (inflammation of the eardrum), otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), or perforation of the eardrum (rupture of the eardrum)
- Foreign body in the ear canal
The procedure
Otoscopy is a simple and quick to perform procedure that requires only a concave mirror and an ear funnel in addition to a light source. In addition to this method, which is mainly performed by ENT physicians, there is also a so-called otoscope, which is mainly used by non-ENT physicians. This is a handy device, which compactly combines the components of light source, ear funnel and handle.ear funnels are available in different sizes. They are made of plastic for single use or metal so that they can be cleaned, sterilized and recycled.
Inserting the ear funnel into the external auditory canal straightens its natural curvature for the duration of the examination. This allows the inside of the ear and the eardrum to be viewed more closely.
Recently, otolaryngologists have been using a video otoscope or a surgical microscope almost exclusively for otoscopy.
