Exams and Tests

A physician diagnoses otitis externa or otitis media after examining the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. In general, x-rays and other tests are unnecessary.

• Otoscopy

• The otoscope has a bright light that shines through a speculum, which is inserted into the ear canal.

• A lens on the other side magnifies the view of the ear.

• In otitis externa, the ear canal will look swollen and inflamed. There may be a thick drainage visible.

• In otitis media, the eardrum will look red and inflamed, and it will not move normally if the physician gives a puff of air through the instrument.

• Hearing test for otitis media

• A hearing test sometimes is performed if the person has had many ear infections over time.

• Laboratory tests in otitis externa

• Sometimes, a sample of drainage from the ear is sent to the laboratory in an attempt to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

• Sending the sample to the laboratory is not needed in most cases and usually is reserved for infections that do not respond to normal treatment.

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