The Otoscope - an Important Examination Instrument

The otoscope is a diagnostic instrument used primarily in general medicine and paediatrics, but also in ENT medicine. It is used to examine the external auditory canal up to the eardrum and, if an insufflation port is available, can also be used for pneumatic testing of the eardrum.

An otoscope usually consists of an instrument head, a handle or battery grip and an ear speculum, which is inserted into the ear canal during otoscopy. Most manufacturers offer diagnostic sets consisting of several components so that the instrument heads can be switched and a separate handle is not required for each diagnostic instrument. These diagnostic sets are not only economical but also environmentally friendly, since on the one hand less waste is produced and on the other hand several handles do not have to be charged simultaneously.

How does an Otoscope Work?

An otoscope is designed to allow the external auditory canal and eardrum to be examined under magnification and illumination. For this purpose, it is equipped with a light source that brightly illuminates the auditory canal so that the tissue can be easily assessed. Most otoscopes have a magnifying glass as a viewing window, which magnifies sufficiently to be able to examine the ear with all its details. The speculum, which is inserted into the ear canal, has several purposes. On the one hand, it focuses the light and thus ensures targeted illumination with little stray light, and on the other hand, it serves to keep the auditory canal open and straightened during the examination. It also prevents the otoscope head from coming into direct contact with the patient, resulting in higher hygiene during the examination and preventing the occurrence of infection transmission when either disposable tips are being used or reusable tips are properly reprocessed.

In addition to conventional otoscopes, there are also video otoscopes that can record and save the otoscopy. This enables accurate comparisons to be made between multiple, temporally staggered examinations of the patient. In addition, the patient can follow the medical diagnosis live on the screen, which positively affects the communication between doctor and patient.

Which Light Sources are Available for Otoscopes?

Otoscopes are usually equipped with either halogen, xenon or LED illumination. The difference between the individual light sources is in brightness as well as in colour temperature and durability. While halogen and xenon lamps need to be replaced regularly, LED lamps offer a durability of up to 100,000 hours and thus a bulb change is usually not necessary during the lifetime of the instrument. LEDs are also particularly bright and provide homogeneous illumination of the examination area. Although LED otoscopes offer many advantages, they are also significantly more expensive than halogen or xenon instruments.

Which Otoscope is Suitable for Children?

Basically, any otoscope can be used for otoscopy in children, but the specula must taper according to the anatomical conditions so that it fits the diameter of the ear canal. Special, extra small ear specula are available for this purpose. However, some manufacturers such as Luxamed also offer special otoscopes for children. These differ in design from conventional otoscopes because they are particularly colourful and suitable for children.

What is the Advantage of Fibre Optic Otoscopes?

In contrast to direct illumination, fibre optic illumination (F.O. illumination) does not cause any restriction of the field of view. With direct illumination, the light source resides in the upper area of the instrument head and thus in the examiner's field of vision. Therefore, to be able to assess the blind area, the doctor needs to move the otoscope around a little in the auditory canal, which on the one hand prolongs the examination time and on the other hand may make the examination more uncomfortable for the patient. With fibre optics, the light source is placed in the head of the otoscope and the light is directed to ensure even illumination and unrestricted vision.

HEINE Otoscopes

HEINE Optotechnik offers a wide range of otoscopes for different diagnostic requirements and medical uses.

The HEINE mini3000 series includes a wide range of economical pocket instruments that are characterised by their ease of use, high quality workmanship and attractive design. The HEINE mini 3000 otoscope is available as a diagnostic set with otoscope, ophthalmoscope, HEINE mini 3000 battery handle including batteries, different types of illumination and light sources.

The professional instruments HEINE BETA 200 and BETA 400 with solid metal housing are durable and are available with either XHL Xenon Halogen or the proprietary LED HQ illumination. The LED lifespan is up to 100,000, so no bulb change is required. Due to the insufflation port, the instruments can also be used for pneumatic eardrum tests. The HEINE quality (HQ) LED illumination is not only particularly consistent, but also ensures true-to-life colour reproduction and offers an extremely long service life.

Order Otoscopes at Praxisdienst at a Great Price

At Praxisdienst, ENT doctors, paediatricians and general practitioners will find a large selection of otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes and diagnostic sets from renowned manufacturers such as HEINE, Riester, Welch Allyn, KaWe or Luxamed, at reasonable prices. In our online shop you will find classics such as the HEINE mini 3000 F.O. Otoscope, the KaWe Piccolight or the Riester e-scope, as well as modern otoscopes and novelties such as the "Firefly" video otoscope.

Of course, we also offer the matching supply for your diagnostic instrument. In the categories ear specula and accessories as well as handles and chargers you can find all-spec disposable tips, reusable ear specula, USB charging handles, battery handles, table chargers, rechargeable batteries and other original accessory products for your medical instrument. If you need further information on our medical supply, our customer service will be happy to assist you. Simply contact us by email, live chat or give us a call.