Apparatus and method for analysis of ear pathologies using combinations of acoustic reflectance, temperature and chemical response

摘要

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.