Audiologists! Avoid This Common Specula Mistake

confusionA speculum is not that complicated of an accessory although some confusion exists in terms of what brand may be used interchangeably with otoscopes made by different manufacturers.  Obviously, different specula are needed for specific otoscope heads regardless of manufacturer; for example, a speculum designed to fit a diagnostic otoscope head will not fit a pneumatic or operating head. There are instances, however, where one brand of specula will work with diagnostic otoscope heads (including pocket otoscopes) made by different manufacturers and it is important to know which will work with which.

onesizeWelch Allyn and Heine represent two popular brands of otoscopes, each offering its own brand of disposable and reusable specula. Welch Allyn markets its own disposable Kleenspec brand along with their own line of Welch Allyn reusable specula whereas Heine offers both disposable and reusable specula under their All-Spec brand.  The general rule of thumb is as follows:  Welch Allyn specula will only fit Welch Allyn otoscopes whereas Heine specula will fit Heine otoscopes and most diagnostic Welch Allyn otoscopes (NOTE: the operative word being “most”).

Square Peg in a Round Hole_0565For those using the Welch Allyn 3.5V diagnostic otoscope head (item# 25050) or the Welch Allyn 2.5V PocketScope (item# 22820), both the Kleenspec or the All-Spec specula brands will fit.  In other words, you can use either the Welch Allyn disposable Kleenspec (item# 52432U or 52434U), any of the Welch Allyn reusable specula (item# 24302U, 24303U, 24304U, or 24305U), the Heine disposable All-Spec (item# B-00.11.128 or B-00.11.127), or any of the Heine reusable All-Spec (item# B-00.11.107, B-00.11.108, B-00.11.109B-00.11.110, or B-00.11.111).  In contrast, those using the Heine Mini 3000  otoscope will need to invest in the All-Spec brand of specula as the Welch Allyn brand will NOT fit this Heine otoscope.

exceptionKeep in mind that there are exceptions to every general rule.  While the Welch Allyn 3.5v Macroview Otoscope may be technically categorized as a diagnostic-type otoscope, the only specula that will fit this head is the Welch Allyn brand. Unlike almost every other Welch Allyn diagnostic otoscope head, the Heine All-Spec brand is not compatible with the Welch Allyn Macroview Head. Still confused? No worries! Contact customer service at Oaktree Products at 800.347.1960 or via e-mail at otp@oaktreeproducts.com next time you want to make sure you are ordering specula for your otoscopes!

About AU Bankaitis

A.U. Bankaitis, PhD is a clinical Audiologist with extensive clinical, research, and business experience within the hearing industry. Dr. Bankaitis created this blog to educate her colleagues on viable product solutions for their patients and/or clinical practice.
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13 Responses to Audiologists! Avoid This Common Specula Mistake

  1. Keryn says:

    Hi Aubankaitis, my daughter is about to study audiology and I would love to give her a good quality, long lasting otoscope for her 18th birthday. I know nothing about them and I was hoping you could recommend one and possibly point me to where I can buy it. Many thanks.

  2. Jay Griffin says:

    Not that I buy a lot of specula, but this certainly (and exhaustively) enlightened me on the key distinctions to be aware of. Good to know before my next ‘stock-up’.

    • aubankaitis says:

      jay, glad to hear….i know that I probably talk to customers about once a month about this (hey I have a Heine but also a WA this and that so what can I do to minimize buying a million different spec?). If you are ever confused and need reassurance, be in touch with me and I will help! Thanks for the feedback!!!

      • discpad says:

        Yes; but as you helpfully informed us a while back, Welch Allyn & Heine otoscope heads interchange: Time for the whiners to standardize on one or the other.

  3. discpad says:

    Two words: Duct Tape.

  4. aubankaitis says:

    Hey, has anyone experienced this confusion or am I hallucinating? Would love to hear your feedback as this post was based on a customer call last week!

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