How to Safely Examine a Child's Ear With an Otoscope

The pediatric otoscopic exam requires specialists, doctors and technicians to take special care when evaluating the patient. The exam begins with a discussion of the procedure with both the child and parents. The specialists employed by the otolaryngology service must observe the particulars of equipment selection and patient comfort. As a rule, strict precaution regarding the protection of both the ear canal and ear drum must accompany any otoscopic exam.

Things You'll Need

• Otoscope
• Pediatric speculum
• Kidney basin

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Instructions

• 1

  Gather materials. To begin a pediatric otoscopic exam, gather an otoscope, pediatric speculum and a kidney basin. Additionally, secure pediatric-sized forceps such as alligator forceps to remove any foreign object found during the exam. Ensure the proper cleaning verification accompanies any item used in the otoscopic exam. Such verification includes, unopened sterile packaging and package date stamps.

• 2

  Prepare the patient. Inform the child's parent or guardian of the steps related to the otoscopic exam. Additionally, comfort the child through the use of toys or children's items in the audiology or ear, nose and throat clinic. Let parents ask procedure-related questions prior to the start of the exam. Inform the child of the procedure and discuss the feel of the otoscope and speculum.

• 3

  Conduct the exam. To begin, attach the pediatric speculum to the otoscope then turn the light switch contained on the body of the otoscope on. Gently pull the patient's ear downward and backward with the thumb and index finger while bracing the pinky against the skull to prevent eardrum damage. Observe the appearance of the outer ear and then gently place the speculum in the ear canal. Observe the walls of the ear canal as the speculum enters, then observe the ear drum for color and appearance.