Home Ear Examination

Ear Exam, Home

Why It Is Done

A home ear examination may be done to:

  • Look for signs of infection when a person has an earache or when a young child has vague symptoms.
  • Check for a foreign object in the ear, such as an insect or a bean.
  • Check for earwax buildup when a person complains of hearing loss or of fullness or pressure in the ear.

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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
Arrow PointerWhy It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 Credits