When examining the inner ear, what is the physician checking for?

The physician examines the inner ear to assess for TM (tympanic membrane) erythema or bulging because these findings are critical indicators of an underlying condition, such as otitis media, which is an infection of the middle ear. Erythema suggests inflammation, while bulging may indicate fluid build-up behind the eardrum, both of which can lead to pain and hearing loss.

While factors like eardrum color, fluid accumulation, and hearing ability are important components in evaluating ear health, they primarily reflect secondary aspects. Color can provide information about the health of the eardrum, fluid accumulation might be suggested if there is bulging, and hearing ability indicates functional outcome but does not directly evaluate the state of the inner ear in the same way that assessing TM erythema or bulging does. Therefore, checking for these specific signs of inflammation or structural changes is crucial in diagnosing ear pathologies accurately.