A method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising the following steps: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and a 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 of the subject's ear； using the electronic imaging unit to capture an image from an eccentric observation point positioned on the optical axis and positioned eccentrically within the ear canal； and determining brightness or color information to identify objects shown in the image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum.
