Letter S

Speculum, ear

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An instrument inserted into the auditory canal of the ear to increase the circumference of the tunnel-shaped canal walls.

(The auditory canal begins at the circular opening of the ear and continues a distance of about one inch [about 2 1/2 cm] to the eardrum, or tympanic membrane.) Using this viewing instrument, a clinician can see through the shaft running through the speculum to check for evidence of disease, wax buildup, eardrum perforation, foreign objects, and other problems.

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