An otoscope is used for visual examination of

• A. The ear drum and ear canal
• B. The nose and sinuses
• C. The throat
• D. The eye

Answer: (A)

An otoscope is used to visualize structures inside the ear, specifically the ear canal and the tympanic membrane (the eardrum). By looking through the otoscope, you can assess whether the ear canal is clear or blocked by wax or infection, and you can inspect the eardrum for color, translucency, and integrity, including landmarks like the cone of light. This exam helps identify conditions such as otitis externa, otitis media, fluid behind the eardrum, or perforations. In some techniques, pneumatic otoscopy is used to check how well the eardrum moves with air, which aids in distinguishing middle-ear problems from other issues. The nose, throat, and eye are examined with different instruments (nasal speculum, tongue depressor or gade, and ophthalmoscope, respectively), not with an otoscope.