A cylindrical, rod-like, surgical instrument that is used to explore and/or dilate a stricture during ear/nose/throat (ENT) surgery, e.g., opening the Eustachian tube to improve chronic dysfunction or inspection of the tympanic orifice during otology. It is designed with a semi-rigid tapered shaft that terminates at the distal end in a small, bulbous tip; it may be hollow for the passing of other slender devices through the instrument. This is a reusable device.