Advanced ultrasound otoscope

Diagnosing a middle ear infection with the traditional otoscope has its limitations.  For a more accurate image, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (Dresden, Germany) and OtoNexus (Seattle, WA) have developed a prototype ultrasound otoscope.  With this device, “the transducer emits ultrasonic pulses and captures the echo reflected from the eardrum. On the basis of this data, the device generates a reading that tells the doctor about the degree of infection.”  Compared to ceramic piezoelectric ultrasound devices, this new product is miniaturized and can be manufactured inexpensively.  MORE

Image Credit:  OtoNexus