Which of the following symptoms should be assessed during an ear inspection?

During an ear inspection, assessing for otalgia, or ear pain, is crucial as it directly relates to the health of the ear and potential underlying conditions. Otalgia is a common symptom associated with various ear disorders, such as otitis media (middle ear infection), external otitis (swimmer's ear), or eustachian tube dysfunction. Identifying the presence and character of ear pain can help in diagnosing these conditions and determining appropriate interventions.

Assessing symptoms like vision clarity, jaw pain, and temperature sensitivity falls outside the primary focus of an ear inspection. Vision clarity pertains to eye health, jaw pain may relate to temporomandibular joint issues, and temperature sensitivity could indicate systemic issues or inflammation that are not specific to the ear itself. Hence, otalgia is the most relevant symptom to evaluate during an ear inspection, as it provides immediate insight into the possible ear-related issues that may need attention.