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Now hear this
Ear infections, or otitis media, are one of the most common ailments in young children, occuring when the middle ear -- the space just behind the eardrum -- becomes inflamed. An infection can affect one or both ears and typically occurs during or just after a cold. It is usually accompanied by fluid build-up. One of the easiest ways for a parent to detect an infection is to use a handheld monitor. If the monitor detects fluid, the child should be taken immediately to a doctor for treatment. Unchecked, ear infections can lead to temporary hearing loss.
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Check for Infection Before It Strikes
In the past, a parent generally had to wait until the child was in pain before knowing that an ear infection was present. Finally, medical technology has created an easy, painless, and effective way of monitoring the ear for signs of possible infection.
Because fluid in the middle ear can indicate an infection, an ear monitor uses harmless, pleasant-sounding waves to detect the its presence.
Ear monitors are accurate and easy to read. Though most will alert you in the event of a malfunction or low batteries, remember that ear monitors are not infallible.
Consider the Costs
- Make sure the product you purchase has a full-refund trial period.
- Does the device have a warranty? Childhood and chronic ear infections often last for more than the warranty most appliances offer. If it is possible to purchase an extended warranty, it may be a good idea.
- If the product needs servicing, you will want to make sure there is a qualified servicer in your vicinity.
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What Is an Ear Examination Test?
- Ear monitors are designed to tell you how much fluid is in the middle ear. This indicates the degree of inflammation and thus infection.
How Does the Test Work?
- An ear monitor uses harmless, pleasant-sounding waves to detect the presence of fluid in the middle ear, which may indicate inflammation and infection.
Pre-Test Precautions
- Make sure batteries are fresh and installed properly.
- Turn off all appliances, such as radios and TVs, that may contribute background noise.
- Test the device. Each device has its own self-test.
Removing an Old Tip From the Ear Monitor
- Hold the base of the tip between your thumb and forefinger.
- Twist counterclockwise one-eighth of a turn and remove.
- Warning: do not touch the opening of the instrument. This may damage the microphone.
Installing a New Tip on the Ear Monitor
- Hold the base of the tip between your thumb and forefinger.
- Match up the notches of the tip with those of the opening on the instrument.
- Press and turn clockwise one-eighth of a turn.
Do Not Use This Test ...
- On children six months of age or younger
- On children with ear tubes
- If there is water in the outer ear, as in swimmer's ear
- If your child has a perforated or ruptured eardrum
- If there is visible pus or blood in the outer ear canal
- On children with facial or ear deformities
Performing the Test
- The child should be in a sitting position. Accurate readings cannot be taken when the child is lying down.
- The ear canal has a natural curve which hinders insertion of the device. Pulling the ear up and back gently will straighten the ear canal.
- Gently insert the device until the tip is fully covered by the ear canal. The devices are designed so they cannot be inserted too far, preventing the possibility of damaging the ear.
- Depress the scan button for five seconds.
- While pressing the button, rotate the monitor clockwise from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock.
- Record the highest reading.
- Release the button before removing the tip from the ear canal. Not releasing the scan button before removal can result in an inaccurate reading.
- Read the results and refer them to the chart provided.
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Tips and Things to Keep in Mind
- For best results and to maximize the comfort of your child, familiarize yourself with the instrument prior to usage.
- Replace batteries when needed. Low batteries can produce inaccurate readings.
- Always store the device so that the opening to the instrument is protected.
- Always install a new tip after usage.
- Repeated or prolonged ear infections may result in hearing impairment. Consult a doctor if this is the case.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. American Medical Association.The American Medical Association: Guide to your family's symptoms. Washington, D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Association 1992.
- 2. American Medical Association.The American Medical Association: Family Medical Guide. 3rd Ed. New York: Random House 1994.
- 3. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
- 4. Segen, Joseph, and Joseph Stauffer.The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests: Everything you need to know about the tests your doctor prescribes. New York: Facts on File 1998.
- 5. Zaret, Barry L. Et al. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. New York: Houghton Mifflin 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Tien, Linda."For many, home is where the test is, but not all tests are created equal". Star Tribune; 8/13/1995.
- 2. MacDonald, Sue."Testing your health at home". Gannett News Service; 8/8/1996.
- 3. Business Wire."MDI Instruments' EarCheck middle ear monitor now available at more than 11,000 retail outlets nationwide". Business Wire; 10/25/1998.
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