Medical otoscopes are used to look in the ears and throat and offer an enhanced view of your patients' potential medical problems. Any medical anomalies, particularly ear infections, are more easily diagnosed with the aid of this enhanced diagnostic equipment.

A doctor's otoscope can even reflect his or her personal taste, with a variety of colors and sizes on the market. You can also recommend home otoscopes to your clients. As you research otoscopes for sale, consider the following:

1. Invest in a simple, plain otoscope if you plan to stick to the status quo.

2. Determine what size and color you prefer to use in your practice if you want to "break the mold" a bit.

3. Find a quality home otoscope to recommend to clients.

4. Purchase quality refurbished otoscopes and parts to save money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase standard hospital otoscopes

Buy standard hospital otoscopes for a conservative statement about your practice.

I recommend: Purchase your otoscope kit from Lab Safety Supply. Welch Allyn is another supplier of otoscopes and sets. Purchase standard and macroview from MPSMedicalSupply.com. Find professional LED fiberoptic otoscopes from Doctor Mom Otoscopes.

Break out of the mold with pocket-sized or colorful medical otoscopes

Show a little bit of personality with the many pocket-sized and colorful otoscopes available.

I recommend: Purchase a pocket medical otoscope from East Coast Medical Equipment. Check out low price pocket otoscopes from Professional Appearances. Look at the colorful pocket otoscopes from ADVANCE Healthcare Shop. Consider the teal or royal blue pocket otoscopes from Netuniform.com.

Recommend quality home otoscopes

Home otoscopes are a great resource for parents, so show them your expertise by recommending the home use otoscopes that would best fit their needs. Remember to show them how to properly use these otoscopes, as well.

I recommend: Purchase a home use otoscope from Notoco. The Natural Baby Catalog Company is another source for home otoscopes. ExpMedics.com sells inexpensive otoscopes for home use. Safe Home Products sells a Home Ear Scope Otoscope and EARS Book combination.

Buy refurbished otoscopes and pieces

Consider used or refurbished otoscopes and equipment if your budget is tight, or you're using them in a teaching capacity. Used pieces also come in handy if you need to replace a part on your existing otoscope.

I recommend: Look at the used otoscopic pieces from Ophthalmic Instruments. MEDmarketplace.com also sells replacement pieces. Find used ophthalmoscope/otoscope heads from Medical Resources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When making your purchase, order disposable tips for your otoscopes. Make sure that what you're ordering is the correct size for the piece of equipment you've purchased.