ONE OF the most important steps in a routine examination of the ear is to see and check upon the mobility of the intact tympanic membrane. A normal movement of the "drum" under varying air pressures signifies a clear middle ear and a patent eustachian tube.
The accepted use of a Siegle's speculum with its rubber pressure tubing and bulb is a clumsy approach to this investigation.
Most practitioners possess an otoscope equipped with an airtight magnifying glass cover and a nipple to accept the necessary tubing.
The Figure depicts a simple accessory to the conventional otoscope which permits the practitioner to make this vital inspection of tympanic membrane mobility.
The advantages are:
The replacement of the bulky bulb and pressure tubing with a cheap hematology mouthpiece and a suitable length of latex rubber tubing operated from the mouth.
The mouthpiece and tubing will easily fit into the