Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

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Home Ear Examination

Overview

A home ear exam is a visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum using a device called an otoscope. An otoscope is a handheld device with a light, a magnifying lens, and a funnel-shaped viewing piece. It has a narrow, pointed end called a speculum that you put inside the ear canal. You can buy this device without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail stores. Some models can connect to your phone and take pictures. This may be helpful in some cases if you have an online visit with your doctor. Ask your doctor.

It can be hard to learn to use an otoscope. If you buy one, be sure to read and follow the instructions that come with it.

Never use a home otoscope to diagnose or treat ear problems. If you have concerns about an ear problem, go to your doctor for an ear exam.

Tips for doing a home ear exam

Always read and follow the use and cleaning instructions that came with your otoscope.

Here are some tips for safely doing a home ear exam.

  • Always move the device slowly and gently while doing the exam. Stop if there's any sign of increased pain.
  • Be especially careful when doing an ear exam on a child. Don't do the exam if the child can't sit still.
  • If the person is having problems with only one ear, examine the other ear first. This may make it easier to see what is different about the affected ear.
  • To see the eardrum better, hold the otoscope in one hand. Use your free hand to pull the outer ear gently up and back. This straightens the ear canal.

Risks of a home ear exam

The pointed end of the otoscope can scrape the skin of the ear canal. So make sure that you insert the otoscope slowly and carefully. Scraping the lining of the ear canal rarely causes bleeding or infection. But be careful to avoid pain or injury.

An otoscope can push an object closer to the eardrum. If you see an object in the ear, do not move the otoscope forward. Don't try to remove the object. Seek medical help.

There is a slight risk of damaging the eardrum if the otoscope is inserted too far into the ear canal. Do not move the otoscope forward if it feels like something is blocking it.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary