The Need

Misclassification of ear disease may result in clinical mismanagement in treatment. Unfortunately, diagnosis of ear pathology is highly subjective, and may require specialized training. There is a need for an objective mechanism to aid clinicians in more reliably diagnosing ear disease.

The Technology

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed an automatic otology device that objectively classifies eardrums as "normal" or "abnormal," and can detect over 14 eardrum abnormalities. The Autoscope is under the protection of a provisional patent application, and will aid clinicians both in objectively and accurately diagnosing ear disease.

Commercial Applications

• Ear treatment for both general practitioners and specialists
• Ear based disease diagnosis
• Telemedicine

Benefits/Advantages

• Significantly more accurate treatment for ear infections and other ear-related diseases
• Ear infections are the most commonly treated childhood diseases
• Ear infections require a tool that is reliable for treatment
• There is an increasing demand for point-of-care diagnostics devices
• The global market for portable diagnosis and testing products is steadily rising