What does otoscopy mean?
Otoscopy is the examination of the outer ear and ear canal using an otoscope, an instrument that illuminates the canal and allows a clinician to inspect the tympanic membrane. It is commonly used to investigate ear pain, hearing loss, discharge, blockage, or suspected infection. The term also covers the broader process of looking into the ear, as distinct from more specialized examinations of internal ear structures. In clinical records, otoscopy findings may describe redness, swelling, fluid, a retracted or perforated eardrum, or reduced mobility of the tympanic membrane. Although the procedure is simple and routinely performed, it is an important part of assessing many common ear complaints. The word is distinguished from “otoscope,” which names the instrument rather than the examination.
nounThe examination of the external ear and ear canal with an otoscope, usually to assess the condition of the ear or the movement of the eardrum.
- The medical examination of the external ear and ear canal, usually with an otoscope, to inspect the ear structures and assess eardrum function.
"The doctor performed otoscopy before diagnosing the infection."
"Routine otoscopy revealed no sign of a foreign object in the ear canal."
"The clinical notes described the otoscopy findings and the degree of redness in the eardrum."
The plural is used when referring to separate examinations or instances of otoscopy.
"The audiologist repeated the otoscopies under different lighting conditions."
Otoscopy literally means “looking into the ear”: its name combines the Greek words for ear and viewing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does otoscopy come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from Greek ōtos, meaning “ear,” and skopein, meaning “to look at or examine.” The same Greek root underlies medical terms such as otology, otoscope, and otic. Its development followed the introduction of the otoscope, which enabled the ear canal and eardrum to be examined directly.
Related word forms
How otoscopy is actually used
A specialized medical term used primarily by healthcare professionals. It denotes the examination or technique, not the instrument itself. When referring to the visual inspection of the tympanic membrane, clinicians may specify “otoscopy” or “otoscopic examination.”
Easily confused with otoscopy
Otoscopy is the examination of the ear, whereas an otoscope is the illuminated instrument used to perform it.