Wireless Otoscope Ear Camera

As a hearing care specialist I’ve used a $4,000 video otoscope in my practice for the past 30 years. I am shocked and amazed at the resolution and quality of the imaging with this device, and I’m even more shocked by the low cost! I ordered a similar device several years ago but returned it because of the poor image quality and overall quality. This one however is a keeper! I was able to clean the wax from my right ears just as well as I’ve ever been able with the big machine in my office. I would caution anyone that it could be dangerous to perform this task unless experienced in doing so. I would recommend extreme caution so as to not damage skin tissue in the ear canal or more importantly not to puncture the eardrum. If your ear is occluded such that you cannot clearly see the eardrum, you should seek professional attention. But for anyone with children, especially with recurring ear infections this instrument could be invaluable if you go slow and become familiar with the appearance of a normal ear canal and eardrum. Then you may be able to confirm the need to take the child to the physician’s office. I am truly impressed with the progress in technology to provide this device, but I do feel some study and practice is essential for its use to avoid potentially serious injury. A healthy amount of fear and hesitation is called for until you become experienced and proficient with the use of the otoscope, particularly with the use of the cleaning tools. By using the cone shaped specula, the viewing of the ear should be relatively safe so long as the skin tissue of the ear canal is not gouged. A gentle pull in an upward fashion of the outer ear will straighten the ear canal to make it safer. I would strongly recommend anyone contemplating the purchase of this device to seek at least some video training for its use, which in my opinion should be included with its purchase. Perhaps such training is available on YouTube. As to my review of the product itself, the imaging is just as good as very expensive professional equipment, but with a much smaller viewing screen. The Bluetooth pairing was seamless and works with my iPhone seamlessly. I have nothing negative to say about the device except for the lack of training materials which I deem extremely important prior to its use. 5 stars for the product itself less 2 full stars for the inherent risk of injury for lack of adequate, accompanying training materials.