Ear examination

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Otoscopic exam of the ear

Overview

Risks

Results

Ear examination

Alternative Names:

Otoscope

Normal Values:

The ear canal varies in size, shape, and color. Normally the canal is skin-colored and has small hairs. Earwax may be present, which is a yellowish-brown color. The ear drum is a light-gray color or a glistening pearly-white. The small bones of the middle ear usually are pushing on the eardrum membrane like tent poles. A cone of light (light reflex) should be seen reflecting off the eardrum surface.

What abnormal results mean:

Ear infections are a common problem, especially with small children. Middle ear infections may be present if the light reflex is dull or absent. The eardrum may be red and bulging. Amber liquid or bubbles behind the eardrum are often seen if fluids collect in the middle ear.

An external ear infection may be present if the ear canal is red, tender, swollen, painful when wiggling or pulling on the outer ear, or if the canal is filled with yellowish-green pus.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Review Date: 1/23/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, M.D., FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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