What Is Acute Otitis Media?
4. Diagnosis
In addition to your verbal description of the symptoms, a doctor also bases a diagnosis of acute otitis media on the appearance of the eardrum. An otoscope is a lighted instrument that the doctor uses to look inside the ears during a physical examination. A healthy eardrum appears clear when examined with the otoscope. If infection is present, the eardrum will typically appear cloudy and opaque due to the buildup of fluid behind it. The fluid buildup also causes the eardrum to bulge visibly. It may be red due to irritation.
An otoscope examination is typically sufficient to diagnose acute otitis media. However, if a closer look at the membrane of the eardrum is required, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a test called otomicroscopy. A doctor may also wish to measure the eardrum’s movement with a test called tympanometry.
Advertisement
