Otoscopes, how to use?

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

I did the course (with Sue, Linda's partner) and found it very worthwhile. To be honest, I was using the otoscope before I did the course, but it taught me about various conditions of the ear canal and ear drum.

Lesley

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

I had already trained to use an Otoscope before with the PCT - but did the course with Sue Maunsell as well.

Personally I would never candle without my Otoscope

HTH

FBx

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

thanks for the replies.

If I was to use the otoscope, how would it improve my treatment?

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

You would just be able to give better feedback about the condition of the ear canal.

For instance, I have lots of clients who come to me because they think they've got lots of wax in their ears. Many of them, despite advice not to, prod and poke with cotton buds or worse. Often, when checking the ear canal, the ears are completely clear of wax so I can tell them to leave well alone. Obviously if their ears have been feeling blocked, this can be because of congestion in the inner ear. I always explain that I can only see as far as the eardrum and that any problems beyond that we cannot see with the otoscope, but that ear candling can still help those problems, e.g., congestion in the eustachian tube or sinus problems.

It's very unusual, but there have been cases where a therapist has gone to give ear candling and there has been a foreign body in the ear canal, or a grommet which the client didn't know about. Or the ear drum could be perforated. There was an instance which we were told about on our training, where the ear drum looked to be black and the therapist referred the client to the doctor. After investigation, a tumour was discovered in the ear.

Obviously this is highly unusual, but using an otoscope just means that you aren't working blind and you can give better feedback.

Lesley

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

thanks for your replies, and being so patient with me.
I will go on the course with Linda next year, but it is an expensive course.

I am tempted to get the otoscope and use it anyway, but obviously not diagnose, etc with it.

The prices for otoscopes vary greatly, from £20-£200. Would you mind telling me where you got yours from and how much?
I know that Linda sells them as part of the course cost, but would still like to take up hubs offer for christmas. (He's used to buying me strange presents).

thanks again

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

I bought mine through Sue and Linda and it was £55 at the time (2 and a half years ago). These were on sale at the original ear candling course which they ran, so I did use mine before the extra training.

Lesley

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

I bought my otoscope for £25 earlier this year from company called Medscope - [link= http://www.medscope.co.uk ]www.medscope.co.uk[/link] I use the Gowlands OT002 mini otoscope and find it easy to use.

Florence

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

thanks florence, I'll check it out.

I've tried contacting Sue Maunsell to arrange training, but she ain't answering yet.

When you check the ears with the otoscope, do you do it whilst the client is seated, or when they are lying on the bed. Sounds obvious I know!

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

Have ordered the OTOO2, thanks for recommendation. Particularly like the fact that the parts can be sterilised as the ones I've already looked at have disposable bits.

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

After the consultation, I lie the client on the bed on one side and check each ear with the otoscope before and after each candle.

Lesley

RE: Otoscopes, how to use?

I massive, big thank you to all who have replied to my incessant questioning on this subject.

My otoscope arrived and after I finished squealing, and looking for batteries, I unleashed it onto my family.

I have used it once on a client and was totally AMAZED at what I saw. The ear that was troubling him (he complained of muffled sound) was totally covered in dark brown wax. After the treatment it was clear with just the yellow residue around the sides.

I can't imagine doing a treatment now without using it, as before you had to rely on the client telling you how their ears were before and after the treatment, now you have evidence to back up your thoughts.

I still haven't taken to cleaning the ears out yet, don't know if I want to go there yet.

Once again, thank you so much.

I think I'll be training with Sue in March next year.

Have ordered the OTOO2, thanks for recommendation. Particularly like the fact that the parts can be sterilised as the ones I've already looked at have disposable bits.

What do you use to sterilise your specula?

I wash it well and then soak it in a jar of surgical spirit.

For otoscopes/ aurascopes try hearing aid companies puretone or p.c Werth