Ear examination (2006)

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Description

These stickers are intended to assist in an ear examination. By recording whether the patient has a bulging eardrum, pus present in the ear canal or a hole in the eardrum, it is easier for the person doing the examination to give the correct diagnosis. This process should assist in ensuring that the patient gets the right management for the various stages of ear disease.

For example, if there is a hole and pus present the diagnosis will be either acute otitis media with perforation or chronic suppurative otitis media. The type of otitis media can be identified by asking how long there has been pus present i.e. only a few days to 6 weeks (acute otitis media) or months (chronic suppurative otitis media). The size of the hole can also assist in identifying the type of otitis media (i.e. pin hole - acute otitis media with perforation, larger hole - chronic suppurative otitis media).

Menzies School of Health Research abstract

Contact details

Child Health Division
Menzies School of Health Research
PO Box 41096
Casuarina NT 0811
Ph: (08) 8922 8196
Fax: (08) 8927 5187
Email: earinfonet@menzies.edu.au

Links

• View resource: Ear examination [stickers] (PDF - 54.5 KB)
  (Reproduced with the permission of Menzies School of Health Research) The images can be downloaded to your computer. They can be cut and pasted into patient notes (or printed onto stickers) to assist in documenting patient progress.