Definition of Speculum, ear

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Speculum, ear: A funnel shaped piece of plastic on a light source that is inserted into the auditory canal of the ear, allowing the examiner to look at the ear canal and ear drum. The auditory canal begins at the circular opening of the ear and continues a distance of about one inch [about 2 1/2 cm] to the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. Using this viewing instrument, a clinician can see through the speculum to look for diseases of the ear canal (swimmer's ear), wax buildup, eardrum perforation, foreign objects, and other problems.