Speculum, ear
A funnel shaped piece of plastic on a light source that is inserted into the auditory canal of the ear, allowing the examiner to look at the ear canal and ear drum. The auditory canal begins at the circular opening of the ear and continues a distance of about one inch [about 2 1/2 cm] to the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. Using this viewing instrument, a clinician can see through the speculum to look for diseases of the ear canal (swimmer’s ear), wax buildup, eardrum perforation, foreign objects, and other problems.
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- Speculum, nasal
An instrument used to widen the opening of a nostril so the inside can be more easily seen. “Speculum” is the Latin word for mirror.
- Speculum, vaginal
An instrument used to widen the opening of the vagina so that the cervix is more easily visible. “Speculum” is the Latin word for mirror.
- Speech disorder
Apraxia; Alogia; Aphasia; Articulation disorder.
- Speech therapist
An older term for a speech- language pathologist.
- Speech therapy
The treatment of speech and communication disorders. The approach used varies depending on the disorder. It may include physical exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech (oral-motor work), speech drills to improve clarity, or sound production practice to improve articulation. See also communication disorders, speech disorders, speech-language pathologist.