Diagnostic Tests for Ear swelling

Diagnostic Test list for Ear swelling:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Ear swelling includes:

• Physical examination
  • Manipulate the pinna to establish if this aggravates the pain - would suggest otitis externa, furunculosis, infected ear lobe or perichondritis.
  • Examine the skin of the pinna for pathology such as warts or skin tumor
  • Examine for enlargement of the local lymph nodes
  • Examine the nature of the ear discharge - if present.
  • Examine both ear canals and ear drums with otoscope looking for abnormalities such as infection, boil in outer ear canal (furunculosis), ruptured drum or foreign body
  • Look for red, swollen and exquisitely tender pinna of the ear which characterizes perichondritis (infection of the cartilage of the ear) which may follow trauma or surgery to the ear
• Swab of discharge - if present for microscopy, culture and sensitivity - to determine bacterial causes such as Staphylococcus aureus or pseudomonas pyocynaea.
• Audiogram (hearing test) - if hearing loss especially in children as hearing loss as a complication of ear infections may affect language and cognitive development of young children.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Ear swelling causes:

• Ear Infections: Home Testing:
  • Home Ear Infection Testing
  • Home Ear Tests
  • Home Hearing Testing

 » Next page: Glossary

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