Ear, examination of

The ear may be examined to investigate earache, discharge from the ear (see ear, discharge from), hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, disturbed balance, tinnitus, or swelling of lymph nodes (see glands, swollen) around the ear. To view the ear canal and eardrum, an otoscope may be used. To obtain images of the middle and inner ears, X-rays, CT scanning, or MRI may be carried out. Hearing and balance can be assessed by means of hearing tests or caloric tests. Electronystagmography assesses balance by watching eye movements when water is inserted into the ear.