What procedure involves a visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum?

The procedure that involves a visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum is otoscopy. During an otoscopic examination, a device called an otoscope is used, which provides illumination and magnification, allowing the audiologist or healthcare provider to observe the structures of the ear closely. This examination is crucial for assessing the health of the ear, detecting any potential issues such as earwax buildup, perforations in the eardrum, infections, or other abnormalities that may affect hearing.

In contrast, tympanometry measures the movement of the eardrum in response to pressure changes in the ear canal but does not involve visual inspection. Audiometry is a testing process that determines the type and degree of hearing loss through sound presentations, and otoacoustic emission testing evaluates cochlear (inner ear) function but does so without visualizing the ear structures directly.