When examining the ear with an otoscope, how should the tympanic membrane look?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tympanic membrane is a translucent membrane with a pearly gray color and a prominent cone of light in the anteroinferior quadrant, which is the reflection of the otoscope light. The tympanic membrane is oval and slightly concave, pulled in at its center by the malleus, which is one of the middle ear ossicles. A light pink color and a slight bulge of the tympanic membrane indicate otitis media. It should not look white and if there are tiny black flecks or dots, that is indicative of a fungal infection, or otomycosis. The tympanic membrane does not appear pulled in at the base of the cone of light, but should instead appear flat and slightly pulled in at the center. A normal tympanic membrane should appear a pearly gray color and have a prominent cone of light in the anteroinferior quadrant, which is the reflection of the otoscope light. The tympanic membrane is oval and slightly concave, pulled in at its center by the malleus, which is one of the middle ear ossicles.

When Examining the Ear with an Otoscope, How Should the Tympanic