Want to get the best otoscope for a nurse practitioner? If yes, this article is for you. There are quite a number of tools that are needed in the practice of medicine. The otoscope is one of these tools. While it might not seem like this tool is the most important tool to a nurse practitioner student, so long as the diagnosis of ear complaints matters, it is the most important. Going by this, if you must always diagnose ear complaints properly as a nurse practitioner student, you will need to get an otoscope of good quality.
Are you a nurse practitioner student and are looking to buy an otoscope? If yes, then, you are on the right page. There are lots of othoscopes in the market and sometimes getting the right one can be a challenge. We are aware of this fact and we have taken out time to put together the best othoscopes for nurse practitioner students.
Read on to find out what the best otoscopes for nurse practitioner students are.
What exactly is an Othoscope?
An otoscope is a medical device that was designed for viewing the ear. It comes in handy in diagnosing inflammations and infections in the ear. Generally, otoscopes have a head and a handle. To ensure that one is able to see inside the ear properly, the heads come with an attached light. That’s not all. Othoscopes also come with a magnifying lens. This helps you see the inside of the ear better. Furthermore, there is an attachment in front of the otoscope. This attachment plays a role in helping an examiner stretch the outer ear so they can have a proper view of the inside of the ear.
How to Look into an Ear with an Otoscope
When trying to look into someone’s ears with an otoscope, the first thing you should do is gently pull the ear back. Doing this ensures that the ear canal is straight and you are able to have a good view of the inside of the ear. Now, with your pinky finger stretched, go on and hold the otoscope from its handle. Your pinky finger should rest on your patient’s cheek while you place the otoscope in the ear canal.
Is buying an otoscope a good idea?
It really does not matter if you are a nurse practitioner student or any other medical professional. Getting an otoscope is definitely a good idea. This is because as little as this device is, it can help in preventing ear infections.
Best Otoscope For Nurse Practitioner
Below are the best otoscopes for nurse practitioner students, they include;
1. Zyrev Otoscope Oph Diagnostic Set – 36 Piece Medical and Nursing Student
This product was designed to be used by professionals, as well as students. Additionally, it was produced with ophthalmologists and nurse practitioners in mind. So, once you have it, you can run a diagnosis on ears, eyes, nose, and throat.
This product is versatile. However, beyond being versatile, it can be trusted to last you the test of time as it is protected in a lather case.
Features
It features three reusable ear spectrums
It features a nasal adapter and 20 disposable spatula.
Pros
It is versatile
It offers value for money
It is durable
Cons
It is quite pricey
Verdict: If you are willing to spend on getting this product, you will get a lot of value for your money.
Where to buy from
The best place to buy from is Amazon. They’ve got this otoscope at the best prices, ever!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/BUY FROM AMAZON
2. Zyrev ZetaLife Otoscope – Ear Scope with Light, Ear Infection Detector, Pocket Size
This is a good product for nurse practitioner students and parents who want to help their children maintain good ear health. Beyond being good for nurse practitioner students, it is a product that professionals can get the best out of.
It comes in a beautiful case which ensures that storage is not a challenge. Also, you do not have to be an expert at making use of otoscopes to get the best out of it as it is very easy to use. That’s not all. If you are uncomfortable with the product, you can always get back your money.
Features
It features a storage case
It weighs 5 ounces
Pros
It is lightweight
It is compact
It is easy to use
Cons
Its light can be made brighter
Verdict: This product is affordable and gets the job done just well.
Where to buy from
The best place to buy from is Amazon. They’ve got this otoscope at the best prices, ever!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/BUY FROM AMAZON
3. Primacare DL-4112 Mini Diagnostic Otoscope Kit with High-Resolution LED Ear Light, Full Spectrum Medical LED Pocket Clip Otoscope
The Primacare DL-4112 mini diagnostic otoscope kit with high-resolution LED ear light was designed to be used by nurses, doctors, and all categories of medical students. This makes it a good product for nurse practitioner students.
This product is of very good quality and also has a size that is considered by several people to be perfect. It comes with an LED light that will come in handy in helping you see into the ear hole without any struggle. Additionally, it has a penlight that is removable and absolutely functional. Due to this, it can be used for examining the ear, nose, and throat.
This product is lightweight and compact. So, moving around with it will never be a challenge.
Features
- It features changeable ear tips
- It comes with speculum tips
Pros
- It is lightweight
- It is compact
- It is durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- It is not made from the best of materials.
Verdict: This product is affordable and works just as well for nurse practitioner students.
Where to buy from
The best place to buy from is Amazon. They’ve got this otoscope at the best prices, ever!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/BUY FROM AMAZON
Buyer’s Guide For Best Otoscope For Nurse Practitioners
When purchasing an otoscope as a nurse practitioner student, you shouldn’t just walk into any store and get a product because you feel like the product is popular. If you buy an otoscope this way, you just will be gambling and your chances of buying the right product are slim. To ensure that you do not have to gamble when buying an otoscope as a nurse practitioner student, there are things you need to know.
Let’s check out some factors you have to consider when shopping for an otoscope for nurse practitioner students.
What exactly do you Want?
The various othoscopes in the market have different qualities and this can be confusing. Knowing exactly what you want can help you deal with the confusion of having to buy the right otoscope for you. If you know the exact otoscope that you want, when you find it, you will be able to tell. On the other hand, if you do not know what you are looking for, you will be unable to spot it even if it is under your nose.
Budget
There are several good-quality otoscopes in the market. These otoscopes have different price tags attached to them. With a budget in mind, you will know the products that you have no business checking out simply because of the price tags that they have attached. Having a budget significantly helps trim down your options and this will definitely help you avoid the stress of checking out so many products before making a choice.
Consider Price
The price of an otoscope is definitely a major factor that you have to consider when shopping for one. If the price tag attached to an otoscope feels too high, you might be unable to get value for your money. Lots of people often make the mistake of assuming that a more expensive product is better than a cheaper one. Well, this is not always the case. You can get very good value from a product even if it is not the most expensive.
Durability
How long will an otoscope last? Is there any warranty attached to it? And how much effort do you need to put into maintaining it? Two different otoscopes might last you about the same time. However, you might need to put in so much effort to ensure that one of them gets to last as long as you want. However, the other might last long without you doing anything to make this happen.
Design
The people you will be treating might not have an understanding of how good your otoscope is. Regardless of this, they might react to its design. If an otoscope has a design that can be considered appealing, your audience might be more comfortable with you treating them. That’s not all. To a large extent, the ease of use of an otoscope is affected by its design.
Consider Brand
Over the years, some brands have built a reputation for producing good-quality otoscopes. Even if you know next to nothing about buying an otoscope, if you buy one produced by a brand with the right reputation, you will most likely get good value for your money. Some bands offer you several options while others offer you good quality. If you are about quality, you simply need to spot a brand that offers you good quality and buy its product.
Features
Every othoscope comes with features and this is something you will need to be on the lookout for when shopping for one. Ideally, othoscopes come with a lamp and a magnifying lens which help you view inside the ear. Some have removable lenses. If you are looking to enjoy flexibility when using an otoscope, you might want to make use of one that comes with removable lenses. Additionally, there are some otoscopes that come with macro viewers. These features help improve magnification.
Source of Power
All othoscopes need power to function and when buying any, it is important that you know the source of its power. Ideally, otoscopes have three power sources. They could be connected to electricity, and have disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries. If you are about portability, you might want to make use of an otoscope with disposable batteries. If portability is not something you are keen on, otoscopes with A4-size batteries will be good for you.
Source of Light
Othoscopes come with different light sources. They include xenon, LED bulbs, halogen, etc. When buying an othoscope, you will need one that has an indirect, as well as a direct light source.
FAQs
Can You See the Inner Ear with an Otoscope?
Yes, if you make use of a pneumatic othoscope which was designed specially for diagnosing infections in the ear. There will be very minute or no movements in the eardrum if the inner ear contains fluids.
What Does an Ear Infection Seem Like When One Uses an Othoscope?
When the ear is viewed with an otoscope, an ear infection simply looks like fluid in the ears.