Home Ear Examination

Ear Exam, Home

Risks

The pointed end of the otoscope can irritate the lining of the ear canal. Make sure that you insert the otoscope slowly and carefully. If you do scrape the lining of the ear canal, it rarely causes bleeding or infection, but you must be careful to avoid pain or injury.

An otoscope can push an object closer to the eardrum. If you suspect an object in the ear, do not move the otoscope forward once you see the object. Don't try to remove the object; seek medical help.

There is a slight risk of damaging the eardrum if the otoscope is inserted too far into the ear canal. Do not move the otoscope forward if it feels like something is blocking it.

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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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