Otomicroscopy
Examination of the ear canal and eardrum requires care, detail and experience. The wide variety of both acute and chronic problems in the ear requires, after taking a detailed history, a detailed examination of the auricle on both surfaces, the auditory canal from the entrance to the tympanic membrane and finally the tympanic membrane over its entire surface (otoscopy).
During the classic ENT examination, the patient is in a sitting position and the ears are examined with a handheld otoscope. If a particular pathology is found or if a diagnostic dilemma is created, an examination with a special ENT microscope and with the patient in a supine position (otomicroscopy) is required.
Otomicroscopy is good because:
- It is the only effective way to examine the entire drum surface (360°)
- Provides flexibility for the physician to perform medical procedures (cleaning, taking tissue for biopsy, intratympanic injection of medication, etc.)
- Offers magnification of the image
- Allows the doctor to have binocular (three-dimensional) vision
Otomicroscopy is required in:
- Acute Otitis Media with otorrhea (pus)
- Drum rupture from injury
- Otomycosis (fungal infection in the ear)
- Chronic Otitis Media
- Cholesteatoma
- Foreign body in the ear canal
- Anatomical abnormalities of the ear canal
Instructions
In any case of discomfort in the ear, you should consult your doctor before starting any medication.