Otitis Media - Diagnosis

How can we diagnose Otitis Media ?

The doctor will examine the ear using an instrument called an otoscope. A healthy eardrum is pinkish-gray in color and translucent. If infection is present, the eardrum may be inflamed, swollen or red. The eardrum may bulge out or retract inward, or it may show openings (perforation). Another useful diagnostic tool is tympanometry, a test that uses sound and air pressure to check for fluid in the middle ear. An audiogram tests if hearing loss has occurred by presenting tones at various pitches.