The traditional otoscope is a fundamental tool in the audiology industry.
For years, hearing care professionals have used it to diagnose problems and care for patients’ ear health. An early description of the otoscope dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, but advances in medical technology have led to significant changes in its functionality and design.
The otoscope has come a long way since its inception, developing into a tool that can be identified in doctor’s offices and clinics worldwide. But for a tool first designed in the 14th century, the industry standard is no longer sufficient. As with most technological advancement, digital otoscopy is changing the professional landscape.
Compared to traditional otoscopes, modern video otoscopes offer hearing care professionals the opportunity to get an increasingly comprehensive look at their patients’ ears. And with brands like MedRx providing otoscopes with LED lights and high color sensors, now more than ever patients and providers alike are gaining unprecedented insight to the inner workings of the ear.
Benefits of modern otoscopes range from increased client satisfaction to more effective treatment. If you’re not already using a video otoscope in your practice, discover the ways you could benefit from digital otoscopy below.
1. Build Patient Relationships with Digital Otoscopes
Originally a sales tool used to show patients the inside of their ears, the MedRx video otoscope increased patient engagement during exams. Seeing the inside of their ear canal up close for the first time, patients could learn more about their ears and how to keep them healthy. Ever since, we’ve recognized the importance of not only using the video otoscope as an audiological tool, but as a way to connect providers with their patients.
One of the most important things you’ll notice from using a digital otoscope is your potential to reinforce provider-to-patient relationships. While a video otoscope can offer you essential insight to your patient, it can also give your patient a newfound sense of understanding and trust in your care and treatment.
You could do this by:
- Describing the anatomy of the ear with a unique, personal visual
- Explaining a new or complicated treatment process or diagnosis
- Demonstrating your diagnosis process with a visual reference
- Comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment pictures
- Providing objective proof of abnormalities (or lack thereof)
- Getting patients interested in their ear health
Describe otoscopic exam details with a personal touch.
Though the ear is a small organ, it’s exceedingly complex in nature. After years in your industry, you may find yourself immune to the medical jargon or technical information you surround yourself with. However, for a patient, understanding these ideas for the first time can be difficult. Simplify the complicated anatomy of the ear with a visual demonstration during your patient’s exam!
Not only will they be fascinated to see the inside of their own ear, but they also have the opportunity to become actively involved in their hearing health. With the images produced by a video otoscope, you can even:
- Increase your patient’s knowledge of the ear
- Walk them through the exam process
- Calm nervous patients or partners
Explain and demonstrate diagnoses.
Whether your patient has excessive cerumen or a cholesteatoma, it is your responsibility to provide professional recommendations. Using a video otoscope can make it easier and faster to explain these diagnoses or visible issues. You might even find that the video otoscope builds trust between yourself and the patient when they’re less inclined to take your recommendations at face value.
Even for patients with healthy ears, showing them live video footage of their ear canal and tympanic membrane can be a rewarding resource to teach and educate patients about proper ear care.
Compare pre and post treatment images.
Using a video otoscope allows you to save pictures to your operating software and reference them throughout the course of your patient’s treatment. Beneficial for those who need visual proof of improvement, this is an invaluable tool for your office and treatment plan. Use the video otoscope to:
- Adjust treatments as needed based on chronologic results
- Save patient images in your records
- Show improvement or degradation over time
Prove abnormalities.
Telling your patient they have an in-ear abnormality and showing it to them on a large monitor can lead to distinctly different conversations. With the video otoscope, you have a unique opportunity to talk through your exam and identify abnormalities as you encounter them.
If you find this helpful, you will also probably want to keep a poster or diagram of a healthy ear handy. This will help the patient compare between a healthy ear and their ear displayed on the screen.
Get patients interested in ear health.
Above all else, a video otoscope provides patients the opportunity to see the inside of the ear. While common practice for ear care professionals, most outside of the industry have never gotten such an in-depth view of the ear. Not only is it a medically informative experience, but it can also be fun and engaging for patients!
SHARP, CLEAR IMAGES AND VIDEOS
2. Use Video Otoscopes to Diagnose and Treat Issues
A video otoscope can improve your relationships and build rapport with your patients, but it can also help solidify your decisions as a health care provider. Ensure certainty in your decisions to diagnose and treat conditions of the ear with displays of large, clear images. For more thorough research, use the images or video recordings to reference professional resources or collaborate with colleagues about tough cases.
Get in-depth visualization of ear canal issues such as:
- Excessive cerumen
- Foreign bodies
- External otitis
- Cholesteatomas
- Perforations
Or use a video otoscope to make inserting probe tubes during exams faster, safer, and more effective. With an up-close visual of the process, you’ll be more confident validating the depth of insertion.
3. Video Otoscopes Maintain Efficient Operation
When it comes to operating your medical equipment, convenience, efficiency, and functionality should be your main priorities. The MedRx video otoscope is the most functional device on the market, requiring only software and a USB port on your computer to operate.
A USB powered digital otoscope also has the benefit of never running out of power, so you can remain confident in your otoscope throughout the entirety of your patient’s exam. And with a 9-foot cord, you have a maneuverable range of motion that allows for flexibility during exams and procedures.
HANDHELD DESIGN ALLOWS FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION
Its small body, distinctly shaped like a pen or marker, can be effortlessly operated during exams for a seamless patient experience. The unobstructed lens allows for a full-screen view of the patient’s ear canal and is especially beneficial for patients or providers who have difficulty seeing small images.
Efficiency is further elevated with software integration features, allowing you to store patient images and videos in Noah, TIMS®, Blueprint OMS, and Sycle for easy access and reference.
4. Provide Better Service
Most importantly, using a video otoscope will improve your service to your patients and clients. With a video otoscope you have the power of digital technology supporting your practice. Here are just a few ways providers are improving their service with digital otoscopy:
- Capture snapshots from videos of fidgety patients or small children
- Reduce unnecessary close exposure to patients
- Print off pictures for patients to take home
Purchasing a Video Otoscope for Your Practice
The otoscope designed in the late 14th century has since changed significantly, as has our knowledge of the ear. Developments in medical technology have led to countless innovations such as digital otoscopy and the MedRx video otoscope.
Using a video otoscope for your practice not only demonstrates you’re committed to providing better service for your patients, but helps you become a better hearing care professional.
Large, clear images of the ear are possible and can add unparalleled value to your services. If you want to integrate modern video otoscopy into your practice, you can purchase the MedRx video otoscope by contacting us at 888-392-1234.