Otoscope

Discover our professional quality otoscopes for doctors, ENT specialists, medical institutions and private individuals. We offer models of various brands, such as Spengler, LED instruments for reliable otoscopy, and rechargeable otoscopes.

What is an otoscope?

An otoscope is a medical device for looking into the ears. This ENT examination is called otoscopy. It consists of observing the external auditory canal of the ear. The instrument is used by doctors, but there are also otoscopes for individuals. These are medical devices consisting of a handle and a speculum to be inserted into the ear, a light (LED, fibre optic...) and a magnifying lens. Otoscopes are sometimes sold with spare specula.

What is an otoscope used for??

An ear examination with an otoscope can be used to determine whether there is an earwax blockage, otitis or other type of inflammation of the ear. This is because the outer ear canal and the eardrum can be seen perfectly with this instrument. The most common ENT problems are detected with an otoscope.

What you see in an otoscope?

The otoscope shows the external auditory canal and the eardrum, which are delicate parts to examine without an instrument. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis, but a private otoscope is useful if there is a suspicion of otitis or other eardrum problems. An otoscopy can be performed without medical equipment by professionals. However, the eardrum is particularly difficult to examine without an otoscope, as in the case of acute otitis media.

When should an otoscopic examination be performed?

The eardrum is observed with an otoscope in adults, children and babies. Common reasons for otoscopy are ear pain, sudden hearing loss, itchy ears, blocked ears, fever in small children and after certain conditions of the hearing system, such as ear infections.

How to use an otoscope?

A full otoscopic examination can only be performed by a doctor. It should be noted that paediatric otoscopy is more difficult to diagnose up to the age of one and a half. Even with medical equipment such as an otoscope, it is necessary to be able to distinguish between a problem and a normal otoscopy. A normal eardrum is grey and transparent.
Normally, professionals examine the unaffected ear first and it is always important to observe the pinna. In addition, when an ENT uses an otoscope for an examination, he or she holds the pinna by pulling it slightly, for a better view.
Good to know: a poorly performed ENT otoscopy can be painful, as the instrument is moved to get a full view of the ear canal.

Which otoscope to buy?

The most important factor in choosing an otoscope is the light source. Good medical equipment should offer a sufficiently clear view. Professional equipment is often equipped with halogen light or LED light. Otoscopes for private use are frequently equipped with LED light.
A rechargeable otoscope is very practical, such as the Heine mini 3000 LED otoscope, with its 10-hour battery life. Both professionals and private individuals use Spengler otoscopes, such as the Smartled 5500 Spengler, which is known for its brightness. Both examples have 3x magnification lenses and are digital otoscopes.
For colour rendering, you should also check the quality of the colourimetry when you buy an otoscope. There are other types of models such as the videoscope, for video rendering of the otoscopy on the device or on a monitor. Most otoscopes are fibre optic with LED lighting for home use. Some brands such as Welch Allyn make otoscopes for professionals only.