Which instrument is used to examine the ear?

The instrument specifically designed for examining the ear is the otoscope. It is equipped with a light source and a magnifying lens, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the ear canal and tympanic membrane effectively. This examination can help in diagnosing conditions such as ear infections, wax buildup, or other abnormalities in the ear structure.

While an ophthalmoscope is used for examining the eyes, and a stethoscope is used for listening to internal sounds of the body (like heartbeats and lung sounds), they are not suitable for ear examinations. A tympanometer is utilized to assess the movement of the eardrum, often in detecting fluid in the middle ear but does not provide visualization needed for a proper examination. Thus, the otoscope is the appropriate tool for directly examining the ear's anatomy.