Ear test

Alternative names:

otoscope; test for ear infection; test for otitis externa; test for otitis media

What the risks are:

If the ear speculum is not disinfected, an infection can be spread from one ear to the other.

Special considerations:

Not all ear problems can be detected by looking through the otoscope. If symptoms of severe ear pain; hearing loss; dizziness; fever; ringing in the ears; or ear discharges/bleeding are present, see the health care provider.

Earwax (normal protective secretion of the ear canal) is not dangerous and should not be removed by putting an object into the ear. There are several products available at drugstores that dissolve or soften the earwax so that it may be flushed out gently with warm water.

It may take practice to be able to see the ear drum.