What Size Ear Specula Should I Be Using?

What Size Ear Specula Should I Be Using?

Are you wondering what diameter size ear speculum you should be using on your otoscope? Here is some general guidance.

What are Ear Specula?

The medical term for this device is specula (plural) or speculum (singular). These are commonly known as ear funnels because of their resemblance to a funnel. They are used with an otoscope to visually examine the eardrum and the passage of the outer ear.

Recommended Inner Diameters

This is general guidance on recommended size of ear specula to use. Each individual may vary. When choosing a speculum, the purpose is to ensure it fits comfortably in the ear canal and allows the examiner to view the entirety of the tympanic membrane.

Adults. 5 mm inner diameter specula is appropriate. 
Children. 4 mm inner diameter specula is appropriate.
Infants. 2.5 to 3.0 mm inner diameter specula is appropriate.

For Animals

Each animal may vary. When choosing a speculum, the purpose is to ensure it fits comfortably in the ear canal and allows the examiner to view the entirety of the tympanic membrane. Special specula are made for veterinary use. Most often the funnel is elongated. We recommend specifically searching for veterinary ear specula.

If you have any questions or concerns then don't hesitate to email us at orders@bvmedical.com or call us at (888) 822-8293 to connect with one of our Customer Service Representatives. Where people can reach people.

 

Sources:

BV Medical. 2023. 
Chang, P. and Pedler, K. Ear Examination. Australian Family Physician. 2005.
Diopter. The Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. 1971. 
Otoscope. Oxford University Press. 2023.
Otoscopic Examination. University of Bristol. 2023.

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