Tumarkin's slotted aural speculum

Tumarkins Slotted Aural speculum has a slot. This slot is a complete one, extending throughout the length of the speculum. This slot helps the surgeon to infiltrate the external auditory canal with local anesthetic before ear surgery. By rotating the ear speculum the slot also moves facilitating infiltration of local anesthetic medicines. The speculum should be inserted up to the cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal. It should not touch the bony portion of the external auditory canal since it would cause more pain.


The speculum should gently be inserted into the ear canal after pulling the pinna backwards, laterally and upwards in adults. In children, the speculum is usually inserted by pulling the pinna downwards, laterally and backwards. These maneuver is essential to straighten the external auditory canal. It is available in four different sizes.



Four types of Tumarkin's slotted speculum with varying outer and inner diameters