People often only go to an ENT specialist when their ear discomfort, itching, or hearing problems get so bad that they can’t ignore them anymore. But checking your ears is a simple and easy way to find problems early, before they become worse and become catastrophic.
You might be wondering what the doctor looks for if you’ve never had an ear check before. Is it painful? How long does it take?
This guide explains exactly what happens during an ear check-up so you know what to expect from an ear specialist in Kolkata.
Why Do You Need to Have Your Ears Checked?
You don’t have to have ear pain to get an ear exam. There are various reasons why you should do it, such as:
- Loss of hearing
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
- Feeling dizzy or having trouble with balance
- Itching or irritation in the ear
- Fluid accumulation or discharge
- Repeated infections in the ear
- Suspected wax blockage
- Injury or things that shouldn't be in the ear
Regular ear exams can also be good for kids, older people, and people who work in loud places or wear headphones a lot.
Step 1: Talking about your symptoms
Your doctor will start by asking you about:
- The kind of pain you're in
- How long the problem has been going on
- Any recent injuries or diseases
- Your health and lifestyle history
Step 2: Look at the outside of the ear
The doctor first checks out the outside of your ear. They look for:
- Swelling or redness
- Infections of the skin
- Hurt
- Problems with the structure
This part is easy, quick, and doesn’t hurt at all.
Step 3: Otoscopy, or looking within the ear
This is the most important element of an ear exam. The doctor uses an otoscope, which is a little equipment with a light and a lens that makes things look bigger.
The doctor can view using the otoscope:
- A lot of earwax
- Signs of an infection
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Redness or swelling
- An eardrum that is broken or torn
- Any objects that don't belong (particularly in kids)
You might feel a little pressure, but it doesn’t hurt.
Step 4: Hearing Test (If Necessary)
If you have hearing loss or ringing in your ears, the doctor may do several easy tests, such as:
- Test of whispering
- Test with a tuning fork
- Asking you to name sounds
You might be told to do an audiometry exam, which is a more thorough hearing test, at times.
Step 5: Look for problems with balance
The inner ear also controls balance. The doctor may:
- Tell you to move your head in certain ways
- Look at how your eyes move
- Check your stability and posture
These tests can help find problems with vertigo or the inner ear.
Step 6: Cleaning the Ear (If Necessary)
If excessive wax is blocking your ear, the ENT doctor
- Soft suction
- Watering (flushing with warm water)
- Tools for the ears that are made just for them
If wax was the problem, this is safe to do and will bring back normal hearing.
Step 7: Make a diagnosis and a plan for treatment
The doctor will talk to you about the ear exam when it is done.
- What they found
- Possible reasons
- If you require medicine
- How to take care of your home
- Follow-up visits (if needed)
If a serious illness is detected, standard treatments can include antibiotics for infections, antihistamines for allergies, or further tests.
Do you have to hurt to have your ears checked?
No, a quick examination of your ears normally doesn’t hurt.
Many people think it’s easy, fast, and pleasant.
How Long Will It Take?
An ear exam normally takes 5 to 15 minutes, although it can take longer if the symptoms are more complicated.
In conclusion
It’s important to get your ears tested often, and it’s easy to do. If you have pain, hearing issues, or infections that keep coming back, an ear specialist in Kolkata can detect the problem early and help you get the right treatment.
If your ears don’t feel right, don’t wait. A quick ear check can make a tremendous impact.
