Researchers have developed a new optical coherence tomography (OCT) otoscope which they claim enhances diagnosis of ear disease and is a significant step forward in imaging technology for ear health.
They said the portable device integrated OCT with the traditional otoscope to improve diagnostic capabilities and offer more effective management and treatment of ear diseases in hearing clinics. It could readily fit into the hearing clinic workflow and provide relevant new information for diagnosing and managing tympanic membrane (TM) and middle ear (ME) disease, they added.
“The innovative device combines traditional otoscopic imaging with high-resolution OCT, allowing clinicians to view both the surface and deeper structures of the tympanic membrane and middle ear,” the University of Southern California Caruso Department of Otolaryngology researchers said.
These detailed views of the surface and inner structures of the eardrum and middle ear enable a clearer, more comprehensive picture of ear health which can help in diagnosing previously missed conditions, they added.
OCT is non-invasive imaging that is similar to an ultrasound and provides real-time images. It uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of structures and has revolutionised optometry and ophthalmology, enabling eyecare practitioners to view, manage and diagnose eye conditions.
The US researchers tested the new imaging system on more than 100 patients in a clinical trial at USC Keck Hospital and published results in the August 2024 edition of the Journal of Biomedical Optics.
Tests demonstrated its ability to reveal pathological features that were previously invisible using standard otoscopy. They also showcased several clinical applications including monitoring myringitis, tympanic membrane perforation healing, retraction pockets, and subsurface scarring air pockets.
Traditionally, otolaryngologists have used an otoscope to provide a limited view of the eardrum’s surface. Limitations of traditional otoscopes include when the tympanic membrane is opaque due to disease, and only allowing a superficial examination of the tympanic membrane, often missing deeper pathologies.
“We have designed a hand-held OCT otoscope with a wide field of view that is capable of imaging nearly the entire tympanic membrane and middle ear down to the cochlear promontory,” the researchers wrote.
“The operation of the OCT otoscope device is sufficiently easy, so a single person can collect a set of images from a patient in seconds to minutes.”
The new device features a 7.4 mm field of view and lateral and axial resolutions of 38 micrometers and 33.4 micrometers, respectively. It integrates advanced algorithms to enhance image clarity and correct distortions, ensuring precise and reliable results, they said.
“The OCT otoscope’s design allows for seamless integration into existing clinical workflows, with an easy-to-use interface controlled by a foot pedal for image acquisition,” researchers wrote.
“This user-friendly approach ensures that the device can be readily adopted by clinicians, providing them with a powerful new tool for diagnosing and managing TM and ME disorders.
“Overall, this advancement marks a significant step forward in otolaryngology, enhancing the precision of ear examinations and potentially leading to better outcomes for patients suffering from hearing loss due to ear pathologies.
“As this technology becomes more widely available, it promises to transform the way ear health is assessed and treated, offering hope for more accurate diagnoses and improved patient care.
The OTC otoscope combines the familiar otoscopic view with high-resolution imaging of the inner structures of the tympanic membrane and middle ear, offering a clearer and more comprehensive view. These images were from a normal ear.
