Visual Ear Diagnosis Guide

There are a number of ear conditions that are commonly found in clinic. This article presents six of the most common conditions seen in the primary clinic. Included are images of the condition, typical presenting history and annotated diagnostic features.

This guide is available here as a convenient pdf that can be downloaded and printed for learners or patients.

Normal Ear

Typical History: Healthy patient with no ear complaints and no history of ear infections or trauma

Diagnostic Features: Malleus is easily appreciated. Light reflex is present. No bulging of the ear drum. Each ear is different and not all landmarks are visible in all ears.

Erythema (redness)

Diagnostic Features: Myringoclerosis is calcium and phosphate depositions in the middle layer of the ear drum. Does not generally affect hearing. No treatment indicated.

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

Typical History: Several days of viral symptoms without significant ear pain. May have a sensation of ear pressure.

Diagnostic Features: No bulging. Air-Fluid levels indicate Eustachian tube is functioning properly. Antibiotics not indicated.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

Typical History: Several days of viral symptoms followed by developing ear pain and decreased hearing.

Diagnostic Features: Often described as an angry donut. Because of the bulging, no landmarks are visible. Easily appreciated as abnormal. Antibiotics should be considered.

Bullous Myringitis

Typical History: Several days of viral symptoms followed by significant ear pain and decreased hearing

Diagnostic Features: Considered a severe case of AOM. Angry donut with blisters. Often quite painful. Antibiotics are generally indicated.