Otoscopy
Pronunciation: oh-TOS-kuh-pee
Visual examination of the external ear canal and tympanic membrane using an otoscope, conducted as a routine preliminary step before audiological testing or hearing device fitting.
Full Definition
Otoscopy is the clinical procedure of inspecting the outer ear canal and eardrum (tympanic membrane) using an otoscope—a handheld instrument with a light source and magnifying lens. In aural rehabilitation and audiology practice, otoscopy is performed prior to audiometric testing, impressions for ear moulds, and hearing aid fittings to identify contraindications such as impacted cerumen, perforated tympanic membrane, or otitis externa. Editors should note that 'otoscopy' refers to the procedure, while 'otoscope' refers to the instrument; these are not interchangeable. The adjectival form is 'otoscopic,' as in 'otoscopic examination.' Video otoscopy, a variant using a camera-equipped scope, is also common in modern practice.
Usage
Usage note: 'Otoscopy' is the procedure; 'otoscope' is the instrument. Do not use 'otoscope' as a verb. The adjectival form is 'otoscopic.' 'Video otoscopy' should be written as two words, not hyphenated.
In Context
- "Otoscopy revealed a significant accumulation of cerumen that required removal before audiometric testing could proceed." — Audiology clinic assessment note
- "The manuscript incorrectly used 'otoscope' as a verb; the editor corrected the passage to read 'otoscopy was performed' rather than 'the clinician otoscoped the ear.'" — Medical journal editorial correspondence