Otoscope - Image of an otoscope (center)

An Otoscope is a medical device which is used to look into the ears. Health care providers use otoscopes to screen for illness during regular check-ups and also to investigate when a symptom involves the ears. With an otoscope, it is possible to visualize the outer ear and middle ear. Medicine on the Web NLM (National Library of Medicine, contains resources for patients and healthcare professionals) Virtual Hospital (digital health sciences library by the University of Iowa) Online Medical Dictionary Collection of links to free medical resources Category: ‪Medicine‬ ... An ear is an organ used by an animal to detect sound waves. ...

Otoscopes consist of a handle and a head. The head contains an electric light source and a low power magnifying lens. The front end of the otoscope has an attachment for disposable plastic ear speculums. After inserting the ear speculum side of the otoscope into the external ear, the examiner looks through a lens on the rear of the instrument to see inside the ear canal. Many models have a detachable sliding rear window which allows the examiner to insert instruments through the otoscope into the ear canal, such as for removing earwax (cerumen). Most models also have an insertion point for a bulb capable of pushing air through the speculum. This puff of air allows an examiner to test the mobility of the tympanic membrane. Meanings of speculum include: A medical tool used for examing body cavities; see Speculum (medical). ... Anatomy of the human ear. ... Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and many other mammals. ...

Many otoscopes used in doctors offices are wall-mounted, while others are portable. Wall-mounted otoscopes are attached by a flexible power cord to a base, which serves to hold the otoscope when it's not in use and also serves as a source of electric power, being plugged into an electric outlet. Portable models are powered by batteries in the handle; these batteries are usually rechargable and can be recharged from a base unit. CEE 7/7 plug and socket Domestic AC power plugs and sockets allow a connection between the mains electricity (household, usually single-phase, AC electrical power) and the appliances commonly used in homes. ... Four double-A (AA) rechargable batteries In science and technology, a battery is a device that stores energy and makes it available in an electrical form. ...

Diseases which may be diagnosed by an otoscope include otitis media and otitis externa, infection of the middle and outer parts of the ear, respectively. Otitis media (also known as glue ear) is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually associated with a buildup of fluid and frequently causes an earache. ...