UNIT II: BASIC EQUIPMENT VITAL FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT CONDITIONS AND DISEASES, THEIR USES.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objective
3.0 List of Basic equipment for diagnosis and treatment of the Ear, Nose and
Throat.
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor Marked Assignment
7.0 References and other sources.
1.0 Introduction
It is very important you know the basic tools that are needed in the diagnosis and
treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat diseases. This unit will provide a picture view of
some of the instruments and describe their uses. As a student of Community Health
you should be able to know how the instruments are used to make diagnosis and if
possible how to use them to treat some of the Ear, Nose and Throat conditions.
2.0 Objective
At the end of this unit you should not only be familiar with the basic instruments but
also be able to know how to use them to make diagnosis and possibly to treat some
ENT Diseases; as it will relate to primary care.
3.0 List of Basic equipment for diagnosis and treatment of the Ear, Nose
and Throat
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Figure 1: Head Mirror with head band.
The head mirror is a concave mirror measuring 9 cm in diameter with a central
aperture of about 2 cm in diameter, used to illuminate and examine ear, nose and
throat.
Figure 2: Aural Speculum
Available in sizes one to eight, and used in examination of the ear canal and
tympanic membrane. It is also useful for patients with hypertrichosis and to instill
medication.
Figure 3: Thudicum Nasal Speculum
Available in different sizes. Is used for anterior rhinoscopy
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Figure 4: Tilley’s Nasal Dressing Forceps
Used for anterior nasal packing and foreign body removal
Figure 5: Metal Tongue depressor
Used to examine the oral cavity and oropharynx. To depress the tongue.
Figure 6: Laryngeal Mirror
Available in different sizes, used for indirect laryngoscopy.
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Figure 7: Otoscope
It provides two times (2X) the magnification and is used for examination of external
auditory canal. It is also used to instill medication into the ear.
Figure 8: Jobson Horne Probe with Ring Curette
Used for removal of wax, foreign body and for dry-mopping the ear.
Figure 9: Aural Syringe
It is used for syringing to remove impacted wax and certain foreign bodies from
external auditory canal (EAC).
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Figure 10: Tuning Fork
They are available in frequencies of 256, 512 and 1024 Hertz, commonly used to
test hearing. 128 Hz is used to test vibration sense.
Figure 11: Hartmann Aural Forceps
Used for aural dressing and removal of foreign body.
Figure 12: Crocodile Forceps
Used to remove foreign body from the ear, nose and throat.
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Figure 13: Barany’s Noise Box
Used for masking during audiological testing and also to assess hearing by
distraction.
Figure 14: Myringotomy knife
A bayonet shaped knife, used in OME (otitis media with effusion) for myringotomy.
Figure 15: Oval Scoop
It is used to curette bone and to scoop out wax from EAC.
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Figure 16: St. Clair Thomson Nasal Speculum (Long bladed)
It looks like Thudicum’s Speculum, but with longer blades. Can be used for anterior
rhinoscopy, septal surgeries and anterior nasal packing.
Figure 17: Boyle-Davis Mouth gag with Tongue blade.
Used in tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy trans-palatal approaches and surgeries in the
oral cavity.
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Figure 18: Killian’s Self Retaining Nasal Speculum
Used in septal surgeries and anterior nasal packing. It is self retaining and both arms
of the operator are free.
Figure 19: Artery Forceps
Used as second artery forceps during haemostasis in tonsillectomy.
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Figure 20: Chevalier Jackson Tracheostomy Tube with pilot.
Made of metal, it has 3 parts: a pilot which helps in introducing the tube, an inner
tube which can be removed and cleaned frequently and an outer tube, which is
secured with tapes. This outer tube is provided with a locking mechanism which
holds the inner tube firmly. The inner tube can only be removed after unlocking it.
Speech is not possible. It is used to relieve upper airway obstruction.
4.0 Conclusion
This unit has enabled you to know some of the basic Ear, Nose and Throat
instruments necessary for diagnosis and treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat disease
conditions as it relates to Primary Health Care.
5.0 Summary
This unit focused mainly on some of the basic Ear, Nose and Throat instruments,
how they look like, their uses in Ear, Nose and Throat disease conditions is also
highlighted. The next unit will discuss the recognition and treatment of the diseases
of the Ear, Nose and Throat.
6.0 Tutor marked Assignment
1. List 10 basic instruments used in the ENT clinic
7.0 References and other resources as in Unit 1.
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