How Do You Examine an Ear Drum

For an ear exam, the doctor uses a special tool called an otoscope to look into the ear canal and see the eardrum. Your doctor will gently pull the ear back and slightly up to straighten the ear canal. For a baby under 12 months, the ear will be pulled downward and out to straighten the ear canal.

How can I check my eardrum at home?

Move the otoscope and the ear very gently until you can see the eardrum. Angle the viewing piece slightly toward your child’s nose, so it follows the normal angle of the ear canal. Two important things to keep in mind: The ear is very sensitive, so don’t be rough.

Can a doctor see behind the eardrum?

An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum.