Abstract: An otoscope for performing ear examinations on small children includes a handle portion, a viewing head and a speculum in addition to a toy-like object for distracting the child prior to or during the examination. The toy-like object may resemble an animal, such as a bear, dog or pig. The otoscope will appear less foreign and threatening to small children than those which are presently being used. As a result, an ear examination with the improved otoscope can be performed more safely and efficiently than was heretofore possible.

Abstract: An ear examination simulator unit for use by parents, children and health care professionals to recognize ear disorders in children includes an ear structure simulator module that is mounted within a head portion of a furry racoon or the like animal facsimile. The ear structure simulator module includes a tube body having orifices defined in ends thereof for receiving an otoscope or other examination tool. Mounted within the tube portion is a semi-translucent membrane and a photographic slide depicting an eardrum in normal or various diseased states. A source of illumination provides light which is distributed by the membrane in order to provide back lighting of the images on the photograpic slide. In addition, the membrane may be textured and colored so as to simulate a human eardrum in its healthy state. The plush toy provides comfort to the child during painful bouts of ear infections and during ear surgery.