Musings of a Distractible Mind offers tips on conducting an examination of the ears.
The series covers a complete HEENT exam plus more:
Most of these areas are examined during a routine visit to an allergist. A quote from the blog:
"As a medical student, I was taught by allergists and ENT’s that you can tell a lot by looking into the nose. In truth, it generally looks about the same to me. Usually it is red and there is a lot of mucous in it (what did you expect?). Occasionally in pediatrics you are rewarded by finding objects that have been stored away for future use that have caused chronic nasal problems. Peas are probably the most common item for me to find in the nose, although I think breakfast cereals are common as well (Cheerios, not Shredded Wheat)."
References:
Physical exam posts from Musings of a Distractible Mind.
Video: Examination of the Larynx and Pharynx. NEJM, 01/2008.
Diagnosis of Ear Pain. AFP, 03/2008.
Image source: Wikipedia, a GNU Free Documentation License.
Updated: 07/26/2008