Smartphone App to Diagnose Ear Infections Developed by Scientists

The tympanogram is inserted into the ear canal to make an airtight seal. It sends a low-frequency tone and a puff of air, determining whether there is fluid behind the eardrum based on how it moves. The app provides an easy way for parents to determine whether their child might have a middle ear infection, says Chan.

1. Can you diagnose an ear infection over the phone?
2. Can virtual doctors diagnose ear infection?
3. How do doctors diagnose an ear infection?
4. What is the instrument doctors use to check ears?
5. Can a pharmacist check for ear infection?
6. How do you know if you have an ear infection in adults?
7. What are the symptoms of middle ear infection in adults?
8. Can I check for an ear infection at home?
9. Should I go to urgent care for an ear infection?
10. How do you check for ear infections?
11. What kills an ear infection?
12. How long does an ear infection last without antibiotics?

Can you diagnose an ear infection over the phone?

In a new study published Wednesday in Science Translational Medicine, Chan and his team describe a smartphone app — one that works on iPhone and Android — that can identify the presence of fluid in a child's ear. The researchers found that physicians — and parents — can use it with relative ease.

Can virtual doctors diagnose ear infection?

Specifically, we cannot treat a middle ear infection online because as of now, we cannot look at the ear drum without an otoscope to confirm the diagnosis. Middle ear infections are the most common type of ear infection and typically are caused by bacteria and viruses.

How do doctors diagnose an ear infection?

An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum.

What is the instrument doctors use to check ears?

An ear examination can find problems in the ear canal, eardrum, and the middle ear. During an ear examination, a tool called an otoscope is used to look at the outer ear canal and eardrum. The otoscope has a light, a magnifying lens, and a funnel-shaped viewing piece with a narrow, pointed end called a speculum.

Can a pharmacist check for ear infection?

A pharmacist can help with an ear infection

Speak to a pharmacist if you think you have an outer ear infection.

How do you know if you have an ear infection in adults?

The symptoms of an ear infection in adults are: Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain) A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal. A feeling of fullness in the ear.

What are the symptoms of middle ear infection in adults?

Middle ear infections are typically caused when bacteria or viruses from the mouth, eyes, and nasal passages get trapped behind the eardrum. The result is pain and a feeling of plugged ears.
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Symptoms

• inflammation and pain.
• tenderness to the touch.
• hearing changes.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• dizziness.
• fever.
• headache.

Can I check for an ear infection at home?

A home ear examination can help detect many ear problems, such as ear infections, excessive earwax, or an object in the ear canal. After receiving instructions and training from a doctor, home ear examinations can be helpful for parents of young children who frequently get ear infections and earaches.

Should I go to urgent care for an ear infection?

If you're suffering from a fever, severe pain, or if your symptoms have lasted for more than 24 hours, you should seek professional treatment before the infection gets worse. A local urgent care center or walk-in clinic is a great place to receive same-day treatment with no appointment.

How do you check for ear infections?

How Doctors Diagnose Ear Infections. The only way to know for sure if your child has one is for a doctor to look inside her ear with a tool called an otoscope, a tiny flashlight with a magnifying lens. A healthy eardrum (shown here) looks sort of clear and pinkish-gray. An infected one looks red and swollen.

What kills an ear infection?

Middle ear infections should be seen and treated by a doctor.

• swimmer's ear drops.
• cold or warm compresses.
• over-the-counter pain relievers.
• tea tree oil.
• basil oil.
• garlic oil.
• eating ginger.
• hydrogen peroxide.

How long does an ear infection last without antibiotics?

Generally, an ear infection will improve within the first couple days and clear up within one to two weeks without any treatment. It is recommended to use the wait-and-see approach for: Children age 6 to 23 months with mild inner-ear pain in one ear for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F.