An ear examination is a thorough evaluation of the ears that is
done to screen for ear problems, such as hearing loss, ear pain,
discharge, lumps, or objects in the ear. An ear examination can
detect problems in the ear canal, eardrum, and the middle ear,
such as infection, excessive earwax, or an object like a bean or
a bead. During an ear examination, an instrument called an
otoscope is used to look at the outer ear canal and eardrum. An
otoscope is a handheld instrument with a light, a magnifying
lens, and a funnel-shaped viewing piece with a narrow, pointed
end called a speculum. A pneumatic otoscope has a rubber bulb
that your doctor can squeeze to give a puff of air into the ear
canal. This allows the doctor to see how the eardrum moves. Why
It Is Done An ear examination may be done: - As part of a
routine physical examination. - To screen babies and children
for hearing loss. - To determine the cause of symptoms such as
earache, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear, or
hearing loss. - To check