A method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and light source into an ear canal of a subject's outer ear, wherein the electronic imaging unit exhibits an optical axis directed in a distal direction, especially directed at the eardrum； using the electronic imaging unit to capture an image； and determining color information or brightness and color information to identify objects shown in the image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum, wherein the electronic imaging unit comprises a color video camera, and wherein the method further comprises a step of determining the spectral composition of reflections of the eardrum, once the eardrum has been identified.
