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Parents Using Otoscopes? Isn't That Illegal?
It has been over 25 years since I shocked the local medical community by teaching parents how to use a home otoscope -- a device that can peer into the ear to determine if a child has an ear infection or not. A local pediatrician called to inform me that it was ILLEGAL for parents to possess an otoscope. What a moron! Anyway, over the years, my wife (also a PA) and I have taught well over a thousand parents to use this simple device.
Why learn how to use an otoscope? The eardrum is hidden about an inch or so down a small tunnel of skin. In order to see the eardrum, you need a device that will focus and magnify the eardrum -- an otoscope. They are very easy to use, but they do take some practice. If you have one, your doctor may raise his/her eyebrows when you tell them, but remind them that they had to learn to use this device in the past, too. I remind people on my WebMD Ear Disorders board that ear infections are the second most common reason why children are taken for medical care.
Traditionally, otoscopes were exclusively medical devices costing several hundred dollars a piece, but it didn't take long for some less-expensive consumer models to hit the market. Once I found a good one, I started teaching some classes to my patients. Years later, I saw the need to write a book to accompany the otoscope. My book, "EARS: AN OWNER'S MANUAL" is now in it's second printing and is available through Amazon.com or Notoco - a company that makes one the best and most economical home otoscopes (about $30). So, with co-pays costing nearly the price of an otoscope, it will not take long for this little gem to pay for it's self -- especially if you have children with frequent ear infections and more-frequent "false alarm" visits.
Otoscopes are not illegal. As a matter of fact, they should be part of every home that has people with ear problems, from the kids with ear infections to the older folks with wax problems.
Related Links: Home Ear Exam, Self Care Tools
Why learn how to use an otoscope? The eardrum is hidden about an inch or so down a small tunnel of skin. In order to see the eardrum, you need a device that will focus and magnify the eardrum -- an otoscope. They are very easy to use, but they do take some practice. If you have one, your doctor may raise his/her eyebrows when you tell them, but remind them that they had to learn to use this device in the past, too. I remind people on my WebMD Ear Disorders board that ear infections are the second most common reason why children are taken for medical care.
Traditionally, otoscopes were exclusively medical devices costing several hundred dollars a piece, but it didn't take long for some less-expensive consumer models to hit the market. Once I found a good one, I started teaching some classes to my patients. Years later, I saw the need to write a book to accompany the otoscope. My book, "EARS: AN OWNER'S MANUAL" is now in it's second printing and is available through Amazon.com or Notoco - a company that makes one the best and most economical home otoscopes (about $30). So, with co-pays costing nearly the price of an otoscope, it will not take long for this little gem to pay for it's self -- especially if you have children with frequent ear infections and more-frequent "false alarm" visits.
Otoscopes are not illegal. As a matter of fact, they should be part of every home that has people with ear problems, from the kids with ear infections to the older folks with wax problems.
Related Links: Home Ear Exam, Self Care Tools
4 Comments:
I applaud the author of the article for suggesting that parents of small children owning an otoscope. I'm a pediatric home health RN and the mother of children ... and it never occurred to me to purchase an otoscope. I'm running out to purchase one now. For the record, to the comment by CogentCoder... I wish I had a penny for every MD that I've met who can't spell. I'd be a millionaire. On top of that, I wish I had a penny for every MD who was a moron. MD's are normal human beings who sometimes say and do stupid, moronic things. Big deal. If an MD says that it's illegal for a parent to own an otoscope, I'd call him a moron, too. There are too many MDs who attempt to undermine the confidence of a parent following his or her intuitive gut when they feel that their child is sick. Shame on the MD for trying to prevent a mom or dad from helping their child.
Thank you for an informative and interesting post. I applaud you for being open and encouraging of parents who would like to use otoscopes at home, to assess their children's ears. My daughter has suffered immensely from moronic MDs who have not done a decent job of diagnosing and treating her ear infections appropriately.
I now own an otoscope that comes in handy every single time I need to know what's going on inside my child's ears.
I think cogentcoder is just upset that these moron MDs are "losing control".
Parents need to be proactive in their children's health issues, especially since the number of money-minded moronic MDs is on the rise.
Thank God for affordable home otoscopes!!
I can not agree more as a nurse and a mom. I feel I have a vested interest in my child that is greater than her pediatrician so I am very motivated to learn what her eardrum looks like when it is normal and when it it filled with fluid bubbles or redness. I can also spend mch more time monitering my daughters ears than her busy doctor. He usually allows me about 3-5 minutes when I take her in for a visit.
I also want to mention the Dr Mom Otoscope LED version that I use. I feel it is the best otoscope on the market today for home use. It also has the advantage of a very bright lead bulb that is guaranteed for life to never go out. The otoscope also has a lifetime warranty.
Jean Moore R.N.
Excellent advice! I've been a Mom for 15 years (4 kids) and have always owned an otoscope. I had two kids with multiple ear infections, and one that has wax buildup. Being able to see into their ears with an otoscope is as important as using a flashlight when they have a sore throat. Doctors who resent a parent who knows what they're talking about are either insecure, arrogant, or shouldn't be in a people-serving job. Doctors and parents should work together for the health of our children.
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