What is the purpose of using an otoscope in an ear exam?

Using an otoscope in an ear exam is specifically designed to look down the ear canal. This instrument allows the examiner to visualize the ear canal and the eardrum, providing important information about the health of the ear. Through the lens of the otoscope, potential issues such as darkness, inflammation, discharge, or foreign bodies can be identified. This is crucial for diagnosing conditions like otitis externa or otitis media, which are common in both humans and animals.

The other options do not pertain to the intended use of an otoscope. Checking heart rhythm requires tools like a stethoscope or an electrocardiogram, while cleaning the ear typically involves different instruments or techniques, not an otoscope. Examining the throat involves a different set of tools and methods that focus on the oral cavity and pharynx, not the ear. Therefore, the primary purpose of an otoscope is clearly oriented around examining the internal structures of the ear.