Ear Examination
Why It Is Done
An ear examination may be done:
- As part of a routine physical examination.
- To screen babies and children for hearing loss.
- To determine the cause of symptoms such as earache, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear, or hearing loss.
- To check for excess wax buildup or an object in the ear canal.
- To detect the location of an ear infection. The infection may involve only the external ear canal (otitis externa) or the middle ear behind the eardrum (otitis media).
- To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for an ear problem.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: June 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
 | Why It Is Done |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| Credits | |