If the individual has a visual ear infection, the answer is yes. In some cases, the individual may have a middle ear infection that is accompanied by an earwax build-up. In this case, the otoscope can still see the wax, albeit small and soft. Usually, however, this does not result in a proper diagnosis because the physician has to be close enough to the ears for him/her to be able to ascertain whether the individual actually has a middle ear infection or not. In this case, if the doctor were to do this, the otoscope can indeed see the earwax.
The otoscope is a medical tool that has evolved from the use of the magnifying otoscope first used in ancient Greece. Originally, the otoscope was designed to help the physician to examine the inner parts of the body, especially the teeth. Today, the otoscope is often utilized to examine the ears as well. Sometimes, the patient will ask the physician if he or she can look into the ears and determine whether or not the individual has a middle ear infection or not. If the doctor determines that the individual indeed has a middle ear infection, he or she can use the otoscope to view the wax buildup. In many cases, the otoscope can actually detect the presence of a middle ear infection just by looking into the earlobe.