Otoscope or Auriscope

Quick Answer: An otoscope, also called an auriscope, is a hand-held instrument with a light, a magnifying lens and a cone-shaped ear speculum. It is used to view the ear canal and eardrum in clinical skills, nursing and physiology teaching.

Parts of the Instrument and Safe Technique

Otoscope and auriscope are two names for the same instrument. The head contains a light source and a magnifying viewing window, and a cone-shaped speculum fits onto its tip. The handle usually holds the batteries. Specula come in sizes to suit children’s and adults’ ear canals, and are reusable or single-use. Some heads have a port for a rubber bulb, used in pneumatic examination to see whether the eardrum moves.

The listing does not state which specula, battery type or light system are supplied.

The technique taught is simple but must be practised: straighten the adult ear canal by pulling the outer ear up and back (in young children, down and back), brace the hand holding the instrument against the head so a sudden movement cannot push it deeper, and insert the speculum only a short way. A five-part human ear model helps students learn the structures they are looking at.

Care & Handling

• Use a clean speculum for each person; wash and disinfect reusable specula between uses.
• Switch the otoscope off after each examination and remove batteries for long storage.
• Clean the viewing window with lens tissue and keep the instrument in its case.

Specifications

Applications

• Clinical skills teaching on ear examination for medical and nursing students
• Physiology practicals on the structure of the ear and eardrum
• Practising safe speculum insertion on ear examination models
• Training for primary care and school health workers

Why Choose LabEquip

Auriscopes are purchased by nursing and medical colleges, community health training centres and physiology departments. LabEquip lists this one for teaching use in its Biology Lab Products range; for quantities and speculum requirements, use the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an auriscope the same as an otoscope?

Yes. Both names describe a lighted instrument with a speculum for examining the ear canal and eardrum.

Why is the ear pulled up and back during examination?

In adults this straightens the curved ear canal so the eardrum can be seen. In young children, the ear is pulled down and back instead.

Which speculum size should be used?

The largest that fits comfortably into the outer part of the canal. A larger speculum gives a wider view and more light, but should never be forced.

What is pneumatic otoscopy?

A rubber bulb attached to a sealed head puffs air into the canal. A healthy eardrum moves slightly; reduced movement suggests fluid behind it.

How do I stop the speculum going too deep?

Hold the instrument like a pen and rest the little finger against the person’s head, so that if they move, the instrument moves with them.

How should reusable ear specula be cleaned?

Wash off wax and debris, disinfect as your procedure requires, and dry before use. Single-use specula are discarded after each person.

Last Updated: September 2026