A method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising the following steps: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and a light source into an ear canal of a subject's outer ear, wherein the electronic imaging unit exhibits an optical axis directed in a distal direction, especially directed at the eardrum of the subject's ear; using the electronic imaging unit to capture an image from an eccentric observation point positioned on the optical axis and positioned eccentrically within the ear canal; and determining brightness or color information to identify objects shown in the image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum.

A device for measuring reflected ultrasound and optical signals may include: an optical source; an optical assembly comprising at least one lens, configured to focus reflected optical illumination from a target onto a detector; and an ultrasound transducer aligned to transmit and receive ultrasound radiation co-axially with the reflected optical illumination and wherein the ultrasound transducer at least partially obstructs a path of the reflected optical illumination. An obstruction may be distant from a focal spot of the optical assembly. The device for measuring reflected ultrasound and optical signals may be particularly useful for characterizing fluid behind an ear drum to diagnose otitis media.

Methods and apparatus for performing interferometric measurements on ear tissue within a person's ear, wherein the measurements are performed as a function of pressure within the ear canal. Measurements may be performed at a plurality of pressures, including pressures greater than, and less than, atmospheric pressure. Using an apparatus in accordance with the invention, methods are provided for characterizing a tympanic membrane, as well as a biofilm adjacent to the tympanic membrane, and an effusion in the middle ear. The tympanic membrane may be characterized as to geometrical features and mobility. Characterizations provided by the apparatus serve to diagnose ear pathology.

An apparatus for use in an audiologic test includes a probe extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end configured for insertion into an ear-canal of a person, the second end being opposite to the first end; wherein the probe comprises a probe part between the first end and the second end, the probe part having a first port; and wherein the probe further comprises a holder fixed to the probe part, the holder being configured to be held by an operator of the probe.

An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

The otoscope comprises a head portion (11) including a through-hole (24) extending continuously from a proximal end to a distal end along a viewing path and a speculum receptacle (14) tapering towards the distal end and surrounding the through-hole (24), wherein a speculum (50) is attachable to the speculum receptacle (14). Lens means (26) including at least one lens (36) is configured to be movable from a viewing position, in which the lens (36) is arranged in the viewing path, to a clearance position, in which the lens (36) is arranged outside the viewing path. In the viewing position of the lens means (26) the lens (36) is arranged inside the through-hole (24) far enough for the distance between the lens (36) and the distal end (52) of an attached speculum (50) to be smaller than the focal length (F) of the lens (36).

An ear ailment diagnostic device includes an ear piece, a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature digital camera, which is capable of taking still or digital images. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

A narrow-orifice foreign body extraction device configured as a unitary article comprises a volumetric enclosure bounded by a frustoconical cone, which has inner and outer surfaces and an intermediate section positioned between an apertured cap section and an apertured base section. The inner surface defines a boundary of an interior chamber of the volumetric enclosure, and the inner and outer surfaces define between them a cone wall. An adhesive material is secured to at least part of the inner or outer surfaces at the cap section and comprises an apertured portion and a tail portion. The apertured portion has one or more adhesive apertures and adhesive-covered opposing inner and outer side surfaces, and the tail portion has an adhesive-covered inner tail surface extending along and bonding to at least part of the outer surface at the cap section to secure the adhesive material to the cap section.

An otoscope is provided, which includes a sensing part. The sensing part includes a housing and a sensing head. The sensing head is disposed in the housing, and includes at least one light source and a sensing element. The light source is disposed on a front end face of the sensing head. The sensing element is disposed on the front end face. The light emitted by the light source can be fully used for illuminating the ear canal. Therefore, the energy consumption of the otoscope is low. The sensing element can completely receive the light reflected and scattered by the ear canal. Therefore, the sensing accuracy of the otoscope is high.