How to Check the Middle Ear for an Infection

A middle ear infection is the most common illness among children according to the Mayo Clinic. A middle ear infection, if not treated, can create severe complications including complete hearing loss. There are ways to check for an ear infection at home, but it is highly recommended to seek medical advise as soon as possible if you suspect an ear infection. Use ear instruments and symptoms to determine if you or your child has a middle ear infection.

Things You'll Need

• Otoscope
• Pneumatic otoscope
• Thermometer

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Instructions

Use an Otoscope

• 1

  Use an otoscope to look inside the ear to see if there is any inflammation.

• 2

  Place the otoscope just inside the outer ear and with a small flashlight look inside to identify inflammation.

• 3

  Look for swelling, extreme redness or liquid in or around the middle ear.

Use a Pneumatic Otoscope

• 4

  Use a pneumatic otoscope to test the ear drum for movement. If the ear drum moves, the person most likely does not have an ear infection. If it does not move, an ear infection is likely.

• 5

  Place the pneumatic otoscope in the middle ear and use a small flash light to see into the ear drum.

• 6

  Push the button to release a small puff of air and watch the ear drum closely to see if it moves or stays stationary.

Look for Common Symptoms

• 7

  Look for common symptoms to identify a middle ear infection such as ear pain, loss of hearing and ear discharge.

• 8

  Take the body temperature, as an ear infection can cause the body temperature to rise to over 100.1 degrees.

• 9

  Ask the individual if he or she feels dizzy or light headed. Ask if he or she has had any sinus congestion as this can be a sign of an ear infection.