Auriscope examination

Question 1

Describe the full Auriscope examination

Answer 1

• Screen for any pain
• Ensure the patient is seated comfortably
• Select the largest appropriate speculum
• Attach speculum to auriscope by twisting action, ensure that the speculum is firmly in place
• Hold the auriscope and ask the patient to slightly turn head away from examiner
• Inspect the outer ear and the meatus, then gently pull the pinna upwards and backwards (in an adult)
• Rest your little finger on the patients cheek for support
• Inspect the auditory canal and visualise the tympanic membrane looking for surface landmarks
• Remove auriscope gently and repeat on other ear - change speculum if any discharge was present

Question 2

How do you hold an auriscope?

Answer 2

Right hand for Right ear and vice versa

Pinky resting on patients face

Question 3

What are the landmarks behind the tympanic membrane you are commenting on?

Answer 3

• Handle of malleus
• Light reflex
• Pars flaccida
• Pars tensa
• Posterior fold

Question 4

What are you looking for in the ear?

Answer 4

• Auditory canal - wax, foreign bodies, discharge, skin quality
• Tympanic membrane
  
  • Colour - should be pinkish/grey
  • Perforation
  • Fluid/effusion
• Behind tympanic membrane for any visible features (pars tensa, parsa flaccida, handle/lateral process of malleolus, cone of light)