Article: There are 2 basic categories of smartphone otoscope attachmentsthose that clip over your phone's camera, and those that attach by cable to your phone's USB or Lightning port. Shop online for a model that is compatible with your phone. A traditional otoscope is basically a magnifying glass with a handle, a light, and a cone-shaped tip that is inserted into the outer section of the inner ear. Smartphone otoscopes either magnify the image for your phone's camera, or act as their own magnifying camera, and record video. Scopes range in price from less than $50 USD to over $300 USD. You can check product reviews for guidance, and you may also want to ask your doctor if they have any experience with or recommendations for such devices. If you're a MacGyver-type, you can even try making one yourself! Most if not all models of scope attachments pair with a brand-specific app. Download this app for guidance on installing the scope, using it, and saving or sending the images/video. The apps are typically free, but of course you've already had to pay for the scope! Most otoscope attachments record video as opposed to taking pictures, since this makes it easier for the average novice to get some decent inner ear views. No matter if you're using a traditional otoscope or a smartphone attachment, never stick the speculum (the pointed part) more than 12cm (0.390.79in) into your ear. Your inner ear is very sensitive, and you definitely don't want to damage your eardrum! If you are unsure of your abilities, or if you're experiencing ear pain, let a medical professional examine your ear instead. With the app open and the speculum placed just barely into your ear, you should see video of your inner ear appear on your phone screen. Follow the product instructions for recording video, and move the speculum around slowly to get a full view of your inner ear. Do not stick the speculum deeper into your ear if the image is grainy, blurry, or dark. Check the settings for the product to see if you can improve the image. Self-diagnosis is not recommended by medical professionals nor the manufacturers of smartphone otoscope attachments. Instead, you should send the video to your doctor or another trained medical professional for a proper diagnosis. Some apps may provide a way to send the video directly to on-call doctors for diagnosis, possibly at a cost of around $15 USD per analysis. Based on scholarly analysis of certain smartphone otoscopes, the image quality and diagnostic quality of scope attachments matches up well with traditional otoscopes. In fact, some doctors may even prefer the results they provide.
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Search online for smartphone otoscope attachments. Download the appropriate app and follow its instructions. Insert the speculum no more than 2cm (0.79in) into your ear. Move the speculum around slightly and record video of your inner ear. Send the video to a trained medical professional for diagnosis.