Best Otoscope Reviews: Top 10 for 2020

Let me say this right off the bat before we begin: if you think you or your child has contracted an ar infection or disease, visiting the doctor is always the natural and perfect response. But, having the best otoscope at home can serve as an excellent solution.

Because there exists a quandary: you have to make sure that you can detect these signs and symptoms early. Symptoms can vary, and are sometimes too subtle to detect and if left unattended, an acute infection can lead to serious complications that we want to avoid at all costs.

If you don’t have one at home, it’s about time you consider the thought of getting one. You may not need it at the moment, but there may come at a time when it can come really handy. If not, the peace of mind that comes with having one is more than worth it.

Name	Rating	Price	More Details
Welch Allyn PocketScope Otoscope with "AA" Handle	4.3 / 5	$$$	More details! Click Here
Welch Allyn 25020 Diagnostic Otoscope with Specula	5 / 5	$$$	More details! Click Here
4th Generation Dr Mom LED POCKET Otoscope	4.5 / 5	$	More details! Click Here
Welch Allyn 2.5v PocketScope Set	3.8 / 5	$$$$	More details! Click Here
Welch Allyn Otoscope/opthalomscope Diagnostic Set	3.9 / 5	$$$	More details! Click Here
PRO-Fiberoptic L.E.D. Otoscope	4.2 / 5	$$	More details! Click Here
Welch Allyn 3.5V Diagnostic Set	4.8 / 5	$$$$	More details! Click Here
Third Generation Dr Mom LED Pocket Otoscope	4.4 / 5	$	More details! Click Here
ENT Diagnostic Kit	4.2 / 5	$	More details! Click Here
ZZZRT locking Otoscope / Ophthalmoscope Instrument Set	4.5 / 5	$	More details! Click Here

What’s an Otoscope?

An otoscope is a medical tool that helps detect early signs of an infection or disease in the ear, nose, and throat. Like thermometers, they provide people in a household the assurance that symptoms of an illness can be detected and monitored anytime.

Three Components

An otoscope is comprised of 3 basic components: a magnifying glass on the eyepiece, a cone-shaped speculum at the tip, and a light source.

The magnifying glass and the light source work hand in hand to provide users a magnified and illuminated view of the inner ear canal.

The speculum, on the other hand, serves as a guide that facilitates the careful manipulation of the ear.

Which Otoscope should I buy?

Welch Allyn is the most trusted brand when it comes to high-quality home otoscopes, mainly on account of their patented Halogen lamp and wide array of functional features. For cheaper but also reliable alternatives, there’s Dr. Mom, ZZRT, Pro Physician, among many others. We review the best otoscopes below.

Best Otoscope Reviews for 2020

1. Welch Allyn PocketScope Otoscope

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The Welch Allyn Pocketscope is a small, convenient, and portable unit that uses white halogen light to give users a better view of the inner ear or any other body orifice.

Why better? For one, halogen light shows the inner ears true tissue colour, giving you a much clearer view than the often-used LED light. Moreover, you get consistent and long-lasting illumination to help find even the tiniest of infections. The fibre optics do not allow any form of reflection so harsh light won’t obstruct the view.

Furthermore, it’s easy to use even on children who won’t stay still, thanks to the unit’s wide-angle viewing lens. Simply remove the otoscope head and you can use the throat illuminator or all-purpose penlight immediately.

Halogen light shows true tissue color and reliable, prolonged illumination
Fiber optics light minimizes reflections and obstructions
Sealed system for pneumatic otoscopy
Wide-angle viewing lens to allow better control under magnification
Easy to use – just detach otoscope head to use throat illuminator and all-purpose penlight

What’s to like about the Welch Allyn Pocketscope

As a home diagnostic tool, the Welch Allyn Pocketscope ticks all the right boxes. It’s lightweight and well-built, giving it a heft and feel perfect for detecting infections in the ear canal and in the throat – even on squirming children. Better yet, you can always rely on getting a good view courtesy of the reliable, long-lasting halogen light emitted by the unit.

What’s not to like

The view you get is not as good as you would get from a professional-grade otoscope. Nevertheless, you still get great value considering the price. And it’s more than sufficient enough to help detect the tiniest symptoms.

2.Welch Allyn Otoscope with Specula, Head Only

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The Welch Allyn Halogen Diagnostic Otoscope is a great home diagnostic tool on account of its reliability, sturdy build, and wide array of useful features. It’s like a streamlined version of a professional otoscope but much cheaper. Its halogen light feature can be relied on to provide long-lasting illumination.

To top it off, the wide-angle viewing lens also give users greater focus and control while viewing images under magnification.

Halogen HPX lamp for longer-lasting illumination and true tissue color
Open system for easier operation
Rotatable lens and speculum for better viewing control
Fiber optics produce cool light (no reflections and obstructions)

What’s to like about the Welch Allyn Halogen

The Welch Allyn Halogen Diagnostic Otoscope is a product that has stood the test of time, and for many great reasons too. It’s considered by many as the best home otoscope device for over 30 years, and it continues to impress with its professional quality, sturdy build, and competitive price.

As with any other Welch Allyn otoscope, the illumination from the halogen lamp facilitates better viewing of the inner ear canal.

It comes as no surprise why it is the recommended device for use not just in the home but also in clinics.

What’s not to like

The only drawback is the lack of a universal fittings system, which would have helped in fitting the head on another diagnostic base. Good thing it does its job so well as a standalone device.

3. 4th Generation Dr Mom LED Otoscope

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The 4th Generation Dr Mom LED Pocket Otoscope is very powerful but small enough to fit right inside your pocket. Checking a patient’s ears is much simpler thanks to the large optical quality glass lens built-in to the device. It’s made of sturdy material, making it much better than the flimsy and unwieldy otoscopes available it the market. It uses a wide range of lenses that help provide an optimal view of the inner ear and tympanic membrane.

It works so well that it’s highly recommended by doctors and casual users alike. Since the unit uses LED, power consumption is low and in turn can make the batteries last up to 6 months.

Large OPTICAL Quality Scratch Resistant GLASS lens
Top Quality Full Spectrum LED module plus DC-DC Boost converter
5x Magnification and Insufflation Outlet
Nose Cone for easy removal of standard disposable specula
Weblink provides 30 high-resolution eardrum photos and an instruction manual

What’s to like about the 4th Gen Dr Mom Otoscope

Many medical students picked this one as their pocket otoscope of choice. It comes as no surprise since it’s an excellent otoscope considering its price. It’s sturdy and well-constructed, feels comfortable in your hand, and has excellent illumination. It provides a clear view of the ear you can even see the veins! Replacing the speculum is a breeze owing to the unit’s easy twist mechanism.

This otoscope sports a lightweight design and comes with a carry bag, making it the perfect diagnostic tool for health warriors who need to be always on the go.

What’s not to like

There were some complaints about the specula coming off easily. On that note, a representative of the company advised that the specula has to be pushed and twisted around to be secured.

4. Welch Allyn 2.5v PocketScope Set

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This Welch Allyn PocketScope Set includes two high-quality Welch Allyn products – the 13000 Welch Allyn 2.5V PocketScope Ophthalmoscope and the 21111 2.5v PocketScope Otoscope with Throat Illuminator. Each instrument is compact and lightweight and can be conveniently stored in the included soft storage case, making it convenient for users to take it with them everywhere.

With both instruments using halogen light, true tissue color and prolonged illumination are guaranteed.

The PocketScore Ophthalmoscope show high resolution images owing to its 48 lenses. With five aperture selections to choose from, viewing is always detailed and clear. The Pocketscope Otoscope with Throat Illuminator uses fiber optics to ensure unobstructed views. The wide angle viewing lens will serve you well in terms ofmagnification purposes. For even better viewing, you can use the Built-in throat illumination penlight.

Set comes with an Ophthalmoscope and Otoscope, each using 2.5 Halogen Lamp
Ophthalmoscope has 5 aperture selections, 48 lenses
Otoscope has wide angle viewing lens, built-in throat illumination penlight
Rheostat for adjusting light intensity
2 AA-Battery handles
Soft storage case

What’s to like about the Welch Allyn 2.5 PocketScope Set

The Welch Allyn 2.5 PocketScope Set is a new release and so far most of the reviews it received from buyers have been overwhelmingly positive. The fact that it includes two separate top-notch Welch Allyn products into one set is already indicative of the entire set’s overall quality. It has many of Welch Allyn’s signature features that contribute to making the diagnostic process a reliable and pleasing experience, whether you’re a professional or not.

What’s not to like

One verified buyer lamented that the head of the ophthalmoscope included in her set is broken. It’s not clear how the damage came about but it could be due to human error or simply that she received a defective product. If you experience the same issue upon purchase, make sure to bring it up with customer support. Welch Allyn is also famous for its exemplary customer service!

5. Welch Allyn Otoscope/ophthalmoscope Set

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The Welch Allyn Otoscope/ophthalmoscope Diagnostic Set MOD 95001 has all the great features a doctor can ask for. This entire package consists of an otoscope, ophthalmoscope, two handles, and a very durable carrying case. The device itself has halogen bulbs to give you a very clear view of the canal.

The light bulbs are certified by the Quality Control Department so you are always assured that you’re getting high-quality, long-lasting illumination.

Halogen light shows true tissue color and reliable, prolonged illumination
Fiber optics light minimizes reflections and obstructions
Sealed system for pneumatic otoscopy
Wide-angle viewing lens to allow better control under magnification
Comes with a Welch Allyn opthalmoscope
Easy to use – just detach otoscope head to use throat illuminator and all-purpose penlight

What’s to like about the Welch Allyn Set

As a home diagnostic set, this one brings you every feature that makes Welch Allyn a great provider of otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes.

Welch Allyn’s patented Halogen lamp? Check. 6 Various light sizes? Check. 1-5x magnification? Check. Coaxial optics for easier entry into the ear canal? Check. I can go on and on, but the crux of it all is that this product is the home diagnostic tool that has everything.

It might not be as good as the devices being used in hospitals and clinics but it is more than good enough to be used at home.

What’s not to like

Many buyers agree that the whole set looks flimsy and cheap. Fortunately, that fact doesn’t have any bearing on the product’s reliability as a diagnostic tool.

6. PRO-Fiberoptic L.E.D. Otoscope

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For top-notch and professional home diagnostics, you can always rely on the PRO-Fiberoptic L.E.D Otoscope to deliver. It has 5x magnification plus a very bright full spectrum LED light source to give users an optimal view of the ear canal. The company also guarantees that the light source will never go out and has promised that they will replace it if it stops working for some reason.

It looks and feels premium courtesy of its chrome plated brass construction. And with two C cell batteries for power the device can be operated for hours on end without charging. Furthermore, this otoscope unit is easy on the wallet.

The World’s First Professional Fiberoptic LED Otoscope
Bright Illumination via Proprietary Full Spectrum White True View LED Light
Light source guaranteed to never go out
Comes with pediatric and adult disposable specula
Low power consumption

What’s to like about the PRO-Fiberoptic L.E.D.

What really set this one apart from many other competing otoscopes is the bright illumination – made possible by its patented fiberoptic LED. That one great feature is bolstered further by this otoscope’s wide range of features, which include the 5x magnification and insufflation bulb.

This combination of bright light and superior lens allows for an excellent view of the tympanic membrane and the inner ear.

The fact that it uses a LED light source also saves considerably in terms of power consumption.

What’s not to like

Works as advertised but there were a few complaints about the light always going off if budged even for a little bit.

7. Welch Allyn 3.5V Diagnostic Set

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Welch Allyn set the barometer for excellence in health diagnostics, which is why you can never go wrong with the Welch Allyn Diagnostic Set if you want an all-in-one solution that can address all your diagnostic needs.

It’s got everything: a Standard Ophthalmoscope, a MacroViewTM Otoscope with Throat Illuminator, and a Direct Plug-in Handle in Hard Case. Each one works like a charm. Notable features are the Halogen light for illumination, nickel-cadmium batteries, rechargeable 60-minute power handle, and the durable yet portable storage case.

Diagnostic Set includes Standard Ophthalmoscope, MacroViewTM Otoscope with Throat Illuminator, Direct Plug-In Handle in Hard Case
Provides a great view of the ears, eyes, and throat
Dimmer settings provide illuminator ranging from dim to very bright
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Rechargeable power handle
Portable hard storage case
Halogen light for illumination

What’s to like about the Welch Allyn Diagnostic Set

There are many things to like about this product. What you’re getting here, after all, is not just a diagnostic set, but a high-quality one at that. Whether you’re a medical student, a professional, or a parent, the Welch Allyn Diagnostic Set can provide you with precision and functionality one can rightfully consider world-class.

As with any other Welch Allyn product, all tools included in this set are very easy to use. Best of all, buying this whole set is much cheaper than buying each tool separately.

What’s not to like

One buyer had a hard time figuring out how to use some of the tools and lamented the lack of an instruction manual. If you’re having a difficult time learning how to operate the set, you can refer to the Welch Allyn website at WelchAllyn.com.

8. Dr Mom LED POCKET Otoscope

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The Third-Generation Dr Mom Slimline Stainless LED Pocket Otoscope is an excellent diagnostic tool despite its low price. With a Full Spectrum LED built in to the device, you are afforded a great view of the inner ear with zero distortions. You also get a webpage link where you are provided 30 high-resolution photos of normal and diseased eardrums as well as detailed instructions written by an ER physician.

It’s made of sturdy and lightweight metal material to give users better control of the device.

Comes with True View Full Spectrum LED and Pocket Clip
Clinically-proven, Multi-patented, Proprietary Bright White Full Spectrum LED module and DC-DC Boost converter
#1 Best-Selling Home Otoscope
LED advantage for robust resistance to shock and less power consumption
Weblink provides 30 high-resolution eardrum photos and an instruction manual

What’s to like about the Dr Mom Led Pocket

There’s plenty to like about this otoscope. It’s very affordable but doesn’t skimp on many of the features you can find in most otoscopes used in clinics and hospitals. You can rely on the full spectrum LED to show you a detailed view of the inner ear, and you also need not worry about getting shocked since the LED doesn’t contain any fragile filaments.

Moreover, you get all the preliminary information you need to use the device thanks to the weblink as well as the clinically-approved manual.

What’s not to like

There’s a slight learning curve to hurdle before one can really get the hang of the device’s operations. Thankfully, the aforementioned weblink proves helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about using the product.

9. ENT Diagnostic Kit

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If you’re looking for an inexpensive comprehensive diagnostic kit that doesn’t compromise quality (at least not much), the ENT Diagnostic Kit is always a smart choice. It’s got every essential – a 3.25 LED otoscope, an ophthalmoscope, and an E.N.T. diagnostic kit. It comes with many other useful components including a bent arm illuminator, a nasal speculum, and tongue depressors and adapters to make things so much easier for you.

Lugging the kit about with you is a breeze owing to the nifty carry bag that comes with the package.

Last but not least, the optical quality glass lens has a special coating to prevent scratches, assuring users that they get a perfect view of the inner canal every time.

Kit includes 3.25 LED otoscope, ophthalmoscope, E.N.T. diagnostic kit
Bulbs used for all instrument heads are German-made
Specially coated optical lenses for scratch-resistant surface
Bayonet luer-locking mechanism on the instrument handle for easier switching of instrument heads

What’s to like about the ENT Diagnostic Kit

The ENT Diagnostic Kit is simply the complete diagnostic solution. You can always count on the 3.25 LED otoscope to provide accurate results every time, not to mention the fact that it doesn’t take much effort to get the hang of using it even on the first try. The readouts provide all the relevant data needed to get a precise and meaningful diagnosis.

To top it off, the images you see are as clear as daylight.

While it’s not as good as those used in hospitals, the ENT Diagnostic Kit is an excellent diagnostic kit for home-use. Students in particular love it since it serves as a great gateway to using professional-grade otoscopes.

What’s not to like

Some buyers found the lighting not bright enough and the overall productcheaply made (a minor complaint considering that many also said that the price more than makes up for it).

10. ZZZRT Stainless Steel Otoscope

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This otoscope puts special emphasis on convenience. The chrome plated bent arm larynx fitted with halogen or fluorescent light sports a streamlined design that doesn’t obstruct the view. This entire kit has everything you need to administer diagnostics right in the comfort of your home: otoscopes, an Ophthalmoscope, a nasal specula, tongue depressors, mirrors, and an even bent arm illuminator.

The bayonet mount makes it easier to switch from one instrument to another. Additionally, it works perfectly with two very standard C batteries. For such a low price, you get so much more.

Chrome plated bent arm larynx plus a bulb Halogen/Fluorescent Light
Comes with Otoscope, Nasal specula attachment, Ophthalmoscope, Bent Arm Illuminator,tongue depressor and mirrors
Bayonette mount for easy changing of instrument heads
Can be used with 2 standard C batteries
Comes with Welch Allyn disposable specula (requires special adapter)

What’s to like about the ZZZRT Otoscope

The ZZZRT Otoscope is perhaps the best budget otoscope currently available. Why? It’s a top-notch diagnostic tool on many fronts despite the affordable price. It does everything you could expect from a top-grade pocket otoscope:

It’s highly accurate, portable, easy to use, and has many accessories that can help the user in a wide array of scenarios involving the diagnostic process.

A lot of verified buyers were very impressed by the exemplary customer service as well, so that should provide the assurance that your possible concerns will be addressed promptly and with courtesy. Just another good reason to give this your consideration if you’re looking for a good otoscope to use at home.

What’s not to like

Some customers found the brightness lacking, which knocked down the product’s average rating a peg. But hey, it works great for everything else so overall it’s still a great product.

Choosing the Best Otoscope

These are some of the best Otoscope and diagnostic kits on the market. It is just a matter of seeing which one is right for you. They are all good quality for their price points and highly rated amongst users. The Third-Generation Dr Mom Slimline Stainless LED Pocket Otoscope is an excellent diagnostic tool despite its low price.

If you are looking for the best of the best. Welch Allyn set the barometer for excellence in health diagnostics, which is why you can never go wrong with the Welch Allyn Diagnostic Set if you want an all-in-one solution that can address all your diagnostic needs.

How Does an Otoscope Work?

Otoscopes, also known as auriscopes, are medical devices that health care providers use to take a deeper look into one’s ear. A variety of ear conditions can be detected using an otoscope, which is why this device is so valuable and useful.

In order to fully understand how an otoscope works, one must first understand how the ear works and looks like. Some of the most common affections that can be diagnosed with the help of an otoscope are the otitis media and the otitis externa.

Most otoscope models that doctors use in emergency rooms are monocular and provide them with a two-dimensional view of the internal ear.

However, binocular otoscopes are essential when a deeper view is needed in order to put the diagnose.

Anatomy of the Ear

The anatomy of the ear is quite simple. The ear is formed of an external, a middle ear and an internal ear. The “pinna” is what we call “the ear”, but there is so much more on the inside.

The ear canal is the tiny, tight channel that connects the internal ear with the external one. At the end of it, there is a tympanic membrane that is also known as the ear drum. These are all part of the middle ear. The malleus, incus and the stapes are parts of the middle ear, too.

The internal ear is hidden deep in our heads and is formed of the semi-circular canals, the vestibule and cochlea, which looks just like a sea shell. Last, but not least, there is the Eustachian tube
that contributes by controlling the ear pressure in the middle ear.

All these parts have an incredibly important role in our lives. Whenever one or more of them stop functioning normally, anomalies occur. We start experiencing pain, discomfort or we simply stop hearing.

What the otoscope actually does is observe the ear canal and other parts of the ear in order to determine whether or not they are unhealthy.

A doctor can observe with the help of an otoscope if there is cerumen in the middle ear, shed skin, an edema or foreign bodies. Judging by the existing anomalies in the middle ear, it is easy to diagnose the inner ear.

How does the otoscope work?

There are various otoscope models available. The most frequently used are portable otoscopes that are rechargeable. Also, there are wall-mounted otoscopes that must be plugged in.

A regular otoscope is usually comprised of a handle, a throat illuminator, a focus or zoom adjustable accessory and a tip where various ear specula can be attached. Also, the otoscope has an insufflation port that is used for pneumatic otoscopy.

Practically, the otoscope is the tool that allows doctors to see inside a person’s ear and search for abnormalities, based on their symptoms.

Modern such tools offer the medical staff the chance to see and understand what’s going on inside the ear better than ever before, thanks to advanced technologies and easy to use devices.