Welch Allyn A Guide To The Use Of Diagnostic Instruments In Eye And Ear Examinations - Quick Reference Guide - Manual (Page 10)

The Ear
Since symptoms of ear disease are relatively few in number
and frequently non-specific, a clinical examination of the ear
is important in the management of ear disorders.
When a patient complains of ear pain, examination of the ear is
indicated to differentiate whether the patient’s disorder is an ear
infection or a disorder originating in adjacent structures, such as
the tempomandibular joint, the teeth or the tonsils. As the only
window into the middle ear, the appearance and behavior of the
tympanic membrane offers valuable information about possible
disease within the middle ear.
Fortunately, the ear provides easy access for examining and
diagnosing disorders of the complex and interrelated ear, nose
and throat system. The Welch Allyn otoscope, when used
correctly, is the single most important diagnostic tool available
to the practitioner for determining whether the ear is the source
of the patient’s complaint.
Otoscopy is one of the primary methods a practitioner uses
for diagnosing patient complaints for the entire ear-nose-throat
complex. Use of a well-designed otoscope which provides illumi-
nation, magnification and air pressure capability for checking
tympanic membrane mobility is, therefore, essential, allowing
the practitioner to view the ear canal and, in particular, the
tympanic membrane with clarity.
The examination that follows this section uses the Welch Allyn
otoscope, which incorporates many features that aid in achieving
an accurate, thorough examination.
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Outer
Ear
Epitympanic
Recess
Tympanic Cavity
Stapes
Tympanic Membrane
Malieus
Incus
Semicircular Canals Vestibule
Endolymphatic
Duct and Sac
Cochea
Eustachian
Tube
External Ear
Canal