**2. Endoscopy as a diagnostic tool**

Endoscopy provides an easy and comfortable means of examining the external auditory canal (EAC) and tympanic membrane in children for diagnostic purposes and follow-up as data is recorded and archived on a hard disk. Most children are uncooperative during office sessions for pre- and post-operative evaluations when they are laid on a bed under the microscope. With endoscopy, the child can sit on the lap of his/her parent, feeling safe and being more compliant, but otherwise by him/herself (**Figure 1**).

#### **Figure 1.**

*On the left, a child sitting on the lap of his father during endoscopy; on the right, a boy lying on the examination bed by himself.*
