Ear Examination

Results

An ear examination is a thorough evaluation of the ears that is done to screen for ear problems, such as ear pain, discharge, lumps, or objects in the ear.

Results of an ear examination

Normal:	Ear canals vary in size, shape, and color.
	The ear canal is skin-colored and lined with small hairs and usually some yellowish brown earwax.
	The eardrum is normally pearly white or light gray, and you can see through it. Also, one of the tiny bones in the middle ear can be seen.
	The eardrum moves slightly when a puff of air is blown into the ear.
Abnormal:	Touching, wiggling, or pulling on your outer ear causes pain.
	The ear canal is red, tender, swollen, or filled with yellowish green pus.
	The eardrum is red and bulging or looks dull and slightly pulled inward (retracted).
	Yellow, gray, or amber liquid or bubbles are seen behind the eardrum.
	There is a hole in the eardrum (perforation) or whitish scars on the surface of the drum.
	The eardrum does not move as it should when a puff of air is blown into the ear.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
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