What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to
have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Earwax, dirt, or an object such as a bean or a
bead hiding or blocking the eardrum (tympanic membrane) in the ear canal. Your
doctor may need to clean the ear canal before examining the
ear.
- Crying. A small child who is upset or crying may have red
eardrums. This redness may be confused with an ear infection.
- The
inability of some children to sit still during the examination.