Use of the otoscope in the evaluation of common injuries and illnesses of the ear.
Ear injuries and/or illnesses make up only a small percentage of the total injuries seen by the athletic trainer. However, if these conditions are left undetected or untreated, permanent ear damage could result. Many ear injuries involve structures that can only be viewed through the use of an otoscope. Although more athletic trainers are using the otoscope to evaluate the ear, there is little documentation available in athletic training literature regarding its proper use. This article describes the proper use of the otoscope in evaluating the ear and discusses the common pathological conditions that might confront the athletic trainer. This article will provide a resource that can be used in conjunction with the guidance of your team physician to help you develop the knowledge and skills required for performing an otoscopic examination.
A. Louise Fincher is Research Assistant at DCH SportsMedicine and The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0312.
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