Buying an otoscope these days can be a daunting task, and that’s both because of the broad variety of products that can be found out there, and because you have to start with your own needs and preferences before anything. On top of that, you should consider the requirements of the person that the otoscope is most likely to be used on.
To make the right call, all you have to do is keep on reading as we’ve compiled all of the essential info you should take into account and have listed it below.
Power
There are three ways of supplying power to an otoscope. You can do it with disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or the device has to be plugged into an outlet at all times. It goes without saying that the latter situation is less convenient for the user, in the sense that he or she will not be able to benefit from portability.
Models that work with standard-sized batteries can function both with disposable and with rechargeable ones. Some units are accompanied by extra handles that house other batteries so that you can still use the device while the initial ones are charging.
The lamp matters a lot
The light source of the device matters quite a bit, and you’ll notice that by comparing several types of bulbs between each other. These days, it can be convenient opting for a model that comes outfitted with a LED bulb, but you have to know that CRI LEDs are better than standard ones because they offer the best in terms of color accuracy.
Let’s not forget that you will be looking at the membrane of the inner ear, and so you have to be aware of the precise color so as to tell whether there’s an inflammation developing and you have to take the baby or the pet to the doctor’s office.
Ease of use and other functions
An otoscope isn’t the hardest optical instrument that you could use. However, some models are a bit more complex compared to others in the sense that they enable you to remove the light source and use the narrow pathway to introduce an instrument so as to remove a foreign object you’ve noticed in the patient’s ear.
It stands to reason that this practice is not recommended for people who have no medical knowledge. But the versatility of an otoscope cannot be denied as many units will allow you to remove the specula or the head and use the device as a small-sized flashlight.
Why get an otoscope?
There are several circumstances where using an otoscope can get you out of a tricky situation. One of them is having a child that’s prone to developing ear infections. If you absolutely want to make sure that you take them to the doctor’s office when it’s time, such a device can definitely come in handy.
On top of that, it makes one of the nicest gadgets for nurses, especially as many can also be used as ophthalmoscopes.