Mdi Instruments, Inc.

David Kunen

Sandra Kimball

Geoffrey Jenkins

An improved indication of a condition of an ear of a subject, such as a human or other mammal, is provided by combining two or more measurements such as body temperature, detection of fluid in the ear (for example by acoustic reflectance), and/or a characteristic of any fluid in the ear. Results of any two of these measurements may be combined to provide improved diagnostic information. The combination of measured body temperature and a determined likelihood that fluid is present in the ear provides improved diagnostic information regarding the risk of an ear infection. In particular, if a subject has an elevated body temperature and the likelihood is high that fluid is present in the ear, an indication of a risk of ear infection may be provided by the device. The presence of fluid may be detected using acoustic reflectometry, tympanometry, pneumatic otoscopy, otoacoustic emissions or other mechanism. If temperature is measured in the ear, for example by using radiation thermometry, the combined instrumentation may be used to improve alignment between the device and the tympanic membrane, thus improving the accuracy of both temperature measurement and fluid detection. Chemical sensing of characteristics of any fluid in the ear may be combined with the detection of fluid or measurement of body temperature, or both, to provide improved diagnosis of ear pathologies. Chemical sensing determines a characteristic of the fluid, such as whether a bacterium or a virus is present. The device may provide diagnostic information from sensed characteristics of the fluid, measured likelihood that fluid is present in the ear and/or measured body temperature to indicate the risk of an ear infection. For example, the device may determine whether any fluid present is infected, and/or may identify bacteria in the fluid.

Apparatus and method for analysis of ear pathologies by detecting fluid

A device provides an indication of a condition of an ear by combining measurements of temperature in the ear, acoustic reflectance of the ear, and/or a characteristic of any fluid in the ear. Any two of these measurements may be combined in the same device to provide improved diagnostic information. For example, chemical sensing of fluid may be combined with acoustic reflectometry or temperature sensing, or both, to provide improved diagnosis of ear pathologies. Acoustic reflectometry also may be combined with temperature sensing. Chemical sensing determines a characteristic of the fluid, such as whether a bacterium or a virus is present. The device may provide diagnostic information from sensed characteristics of the fluid, measured acoustic reflectance and/or measured temperature to indicate the risk of an ear infection. For example, the device may determine if any fluid present is infected. The device also may identify bacteria in the fluid. The temperature sensor also may be used to improve alignment between the device and the tympanic membrane, thus improving the accuracy of measurements.

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Wayland, MA, United States of America

David Kunen