How to Use the Otoscope at Home
The otoscope is a medical diagnostic equipment that is used to examine the outside and inside of the eardrum. Essentially, it consists of a magnifying glass and a light source that allows the examiner to look into the ear. Clinics and hospital use otoscopes to treat patients suffering illness of the ear. Diseases that are diagnosed with the help of this effective piece of equipment include both internal external ear infections. For those who have an otoscope at home, they will be glad to know that it is easy to use.
Instructions
-
1
If you are a doctor, consider explaining the treatment or examination process to your patients. It is extremely important to tell the patients how exactly you will be using this piece of equipment. You must determine what kind of speculum you need to use by examining your patients’ eardrums and ear canals. It is recommended to use a narrower speculum if you are examining children’s ears.
-
2
Always hold the otoscope in the same hand of the ear you are examining. For example, if you are checking the right ear, consider holding the otoscope with your right hand. If the infection is in the left ear, hold the equipment with your opposite hand. This practice can help you avoid discomfort to the patient.
-
3
A number of tools also come with otoscope that you can use for various applications. It is advised to read the manufacturer’s manual before using the equipment. Take the otoscope on to the outer canal and then move towards the membrane for examining the infection. For treating diseases such as otitis externa, consider using the attachment for an inflamed skin canal. This will help you determine the causes and medication require curing the disease.
-
4
Otoscope is also used to inspect other parts of the body including nose to help the patients evade the need for a separate nasal speculum. If the patient is sitting on a chair, then the person using the otoscope should be standing for better results.
-
5
Otoscope can be purchased from many different home medical supply companies. If you are interested in buying one for using at home, consider doing some research online to find competitive deals. However, it is better to buy this equipment from medical equipment store so you can make sure all the parts are working.
