Using the Otoscope
This video clip highlights some tips for using the otoscope to examine a patient’s ears and is intended to supplement the video on examining the ears.
To use the otoscope connect the base to the otoscope head by aligning the notch and groove and twisting. The otoscope head consists of a magnifying lens and ear tip on to which a disposable cover is placed by using a slight twist.
Turn the otoscope light on as described in the Ophthalmoscope video clip. Like the ophthalmoscope, you will need to be ambidextrous and you will need to hold the scope with the right hand to examine the right ear and hold with the left hand to examine the left ear. After determining whether the patient has any external ear pain insert the scope with a disposable ear tip, a short distance.
Hold the scope like an upside down pencil. Use the 4th and 5th fingers of the hand holding the scope to rest on the patient’s temple area. This will stabilize the scope and assist you in guiding the scope into the ear canal.
In adults pull the pinna of the ear up and back and hold the traction all the while the scope is in the ear.
If you are unable to note the tympanic membrane apply slightly more or less upward and backward traction on the pinna. Repeat for the opposite ear using the opposite hand to hold the scope and the opposite hand to pull the ear. Remember that it will be easier to use the hand closest to the patient’s back apply traction to the ear.