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If you wish to examine your own ear, your options are somewhat limited. You can purchase one of the various models of otoscopes designed to attach to a smartphone and follow the provided instructions. Alternatively, you may need to guide a friend on how to use a traditional otoscope—assuming you're proficient in its usage yourself. Ultimately, scheduling an appointment with your doctor may be the most reliable course of action!
Steps
Utilizing a Smartphone Otoscope Attachment
Search online for smartphone otoscope attachments. There are two primary types of smartphone otoscope attachments—those that clip onto your phone's camera and those that connect via cable to your phone's USB or Lightning port. Browse online for a model compatible with your phone.
- A traditional otoscope typically consists of a magnifying glass with a handle, a light, and a cone-shaped tip for insertion into the outer portion of the inner ear. Smartphone otoscopes either magnify the image for your phone's camera or function as standalone magnifying cameras, capturing video.
- Prices for these devices range from under $50 USD to over $300 USD. Seek product reviews for guidance, and consider consulting your doctor for any recommendations or experiences with such devices.
- If you're the inventive type, you might even attempt crafting one yourself!
Install the appropriate app and follow its instructions. Most, if not all, models of scope attachments are compatible with a brand-specific app. Download this app to receive guidance on installing the scope, using it, and saving or sending the images/video.
- The apps are usually free, but the scope itself comes at a cost!
- Most otoscope attachments record video rather than taking pictures, as this makes it easier for the average user to obtain clear views of the inner ear.
Insert the speculum no more than 2 cm (0.79 in) into your ear.
Whether you're using a traditional otoscope or a smartphone attachment, avoid inserting the speculum (the pointed part) more than 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) into your ear. The inner ear is highly sensitive, and damaging your eardrum is the last thing you want!
- If you're uncertain about your abilities or experiencing ear pain, it's best to have a medical professional examine your ear instead.
Adjust the position of the speculum slightly and record video footage of your inner ear. With the app open and the speculum inserted just slightly into your ear, you should see video footage of your inner ear displayed on your phone screen. Follow the product instructions for recording video, and slowly move the speculum around to obtain a comprehensive view of your inner ear.
- If the image appears grainy, blurry, or dark, avoid pushing the speculum deeper into your ear. Check the product settings to see if you can enhance the image quality.
Forward the video to a qualified medical professional for evaluation. Both medical professionals and the manufacturers of smartphone otoscope attachments discourage self-diagnosis. Instead, send the video to your doctor or another qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Some apps may offer the option to send the video directly to on-call doctors for evaluation, usually for a fee of approximately $15 USD per analysis.
- According to scholarly research on specific smartphone otoscopes, the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of scope attachments closely match those of traditional otoscopes. In fact, some doctors may even prefer the results provided by smartphone attachments.
Using a Conventional Otoscope on Another Person
Attach an appropriately-sized speculum to the otoscope. Most modern otoscopes utilize a single-use, disposable speculum, which is the pointed part inserted into the ear. Specula are available in various sizes, with the correct size fitting snugly into the outer third (no more than 2 cm or 0.79 in deep) of the ear canal.
- Refer to the following size guidelines: adults, 4-6 millimeters; children, 3-4 millimeters; infants, 2 millimeters.
- The speculum typically snaps onto the pointed part of the otoscope.
- Dispose of the speculum after a single use. If you have a reusable speculum, sanitize it thoroughly following the product instructions.
Activate the otoscope's light and hold it like a pencil. Turn on the light by flipping the switch or pushing the button located at the tip of the otoscope. Then, grasp the handle between your thumb and forefinger, resembling a pencil or pen grip. To steady both your hand and the scope, touch the back of your holding hand to the person's cheek.
- Maintain a calm demeanor and handle the otoscope gently during examinations to avoid discomfort or injury to the sensitive ear.
- If possible, observe a medical professional using an otoscope before attempting it yourself.
Straighten the person's ear canal with your spare hand. Lightly grip the person's outer ear between your fingers, positioned at either the 10 o'clock (for the right ear) or 2 o'clock (for the left ear) positions. Gently pull the outer ear up and back to straighten the ear canal, facilitating a clearer view inside.
- For children under 3 years old, consider gently pulling the outer ear downward first for improved visibility.
Insert the otoscope's speculum 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) into the ear canal. While maintaining contact between the back of your holding hand and the person's cheek, carefully insert the speculum's tip into the outer section of their ear canal. Use your dominant eye to look through the otoscope, and close the other eye.
- Avoid exerting pressure on the ear canal with the speculum. Simply guide the tip 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) in. If there is resistance, you may have attached a speculum that is too large.
- If the person experiences pain or discomfort, cease immediately and withdraw the otoscope cautiously. Allow a medical professional to perform the examination instead.
Initially direct the otoscope's tip toward the person's nose. Begin the examination at this angle, following the natural path of the ear canal. Once you have a clear view, gently maneuver the otoscope at different angles to examine various parts of the eardrum and ear canal walls.
- If the person reports pain or discomfort, promptly but carefully retract the otoscope.
Identify common indicators of a healthy ear. As you lack medical training, avoid attempting to diagnose any ear issues. Encourage the individual experiencing ear problems to seek medical attention. However, if there are no apparent issues, observe the following signs to confirm a healthy inner ear:
- The ear canal should exhibit a flesh-colored appearance and be adorned with small hairs. Some brown or reddish-brown earwax on the canal walls is normal, but it should not obstruct the canal. There should be no signs of swelling.
- The eardrum should appear translucent and display a white or gray hue. Tiny bones should be discernible, pressing against the eardrum's inner surface.
Retract the otoscope cautiously and gradually. Withdraw the speculum from the individual's ear canal in a straight motion, and release your hand from their cheek. Release their outer ear with your other hand. You can now proceed to examine the other ear.
- Using an otoscope to inspect someone else's ears, or having them examine yours, is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Utilize an otoscope solely to confirm the appearance of a healthy inner ear, not to diagnose issues in the absence of symptoms.
