Pain
|
None noted
|
Mild/moderate; painful on palpation
|
Severe: painful when raising pinna
|
Erythema
|
None noted
|
Mild/moderate: barely perceptible to obvious redness visible with an otoscope
|
Severe: beet or cherry red or erythema extends into pinna
|
Exudate
|
None noted
|
Mild/moderate: small amount to moderate amounts visible in ear canal
|
Severe: extending out of ear canal and may be crusted
|
Swelling
|
None noted
|
Mild/moderate: minimal occlusion to moderate occlusion of ear canal
|
Severe: canal completely occluded
|
Odor
|
None noted
|
Mild/moderate: malodor evident when pinna is raised
|
Severe: malodor evident without raising pinna to expose ear canal
|
Ulceration
|
None noted
|
Mild/moderate: mild abrasions
|
Severe: abrasions that may be bleeding
|