Examining a child's ear with an otoscope is common practice for school nurses but unfortunately it may have been several years since a new school nurse has done this. The following pictures help provide some information as to what you are looking at when you look in a child's ear with an otoscope.

Who uses an otoscope?

An otoscope or auriscope is a medical device which is used to look into the ears. Health care providers use otoscopes to screen for illness during regular check-ups and also to investigate ear symptoms. An otoscope potentially gives a view of the ear canal and tympanic membrane or eardrum.

What instruments do nurses use?