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
2 Comments:
The information is interesting. However one has to question the credibility of an article by a Ph.D. that calls another doctor a moron but doesn't know the difference between "its" and "it's" and cannot spell "itself" correctly.
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.
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