Examen físico - Examen de oidos (pabellón auricular y equilibrio)

Examining the Ear of the Patient

The medical professional demonstrates the process of examining a patient's ear, starting with a visual inspection of the outer ear and moving on to evaluating the ear canal and assessing hearing and balance.

Visual Inspection of the Outer Ear

• Inspect the patient's outer ear, including the auricle with its various parts like tragus, antitragus, helix, concha, and earlobe. Ensure no redness or foreign objects are present.

Evaluation of the Ear Canal

• Use an otoscope to examine the external auditory canal. Check for excessive wax, discharge, or any visible abnormalities.

Assessing Hearing Ability

• Test the patient's hearing by asking them to indicate when they can no longer hear a sound. A normal hearing range is typically up to approximately 30 centimeters for whispering.

Testing Balance and Equilibrium

In this segment, the healthcare provider assesses the patient's balance and equilibrium as part of a comprehensive examination.

Balance Assessment

• Instruct the patient to stand on one foot with hands by their sides to evaluate balance. Observe if they can maintain stability.

Equilibrium Testing with Eyes Closed

• Ask the patient to close their eyes while maintaining balance. Note any difficulty in stability with closed eyes compared to open eyes.

Differentiating Vestibular and Cerebellar Issues

• Discuss how vestibular issues may cause imbalance when eyes are closed but not open due to reliance on visual cues. Contrast this with cerebellar problems that affect balance regardless of eye status.