See Hearing in Motion
OtOX is a next-generation digital otoscope that provides quantitative, non-invasive evaluation of tympanic membrane (TM) function using stroboscopic, frequency-synchronized imaging. Unlike traditional otoscopes that rely on static visualization and subjective interpretation, OtOX captures dynamic functional information, revealing subtle abnormalities invisible to the naked eye.
Traditional otoscopy limits diagnostic insight to visible anatomical changes. OtOX overcomes this by analyzing micro-vibrations of the TM, allowing clinicians to detect disease at its earliest functional stage.
How It Works
OtOX illuminates the tympanic membrane with precisely controlled pulsed light at selectable frequencies while capturing video through a standard CMOS sensor. By sweeping illumination across 5–200 Hz, the system visually “locks” onto the membrane’s natural oscillation frequency during acoustic or pneumatic stimulation.
This produces a strobostable effect, converting micro-vibration into visible, analyzable motion. The resulting vibration signature provides detailed functional insight into the eardrum, including:
- Membrane stiffness
- Harmonic distortion
- Resonance behavior
- Movement symmetry
- Temporal damping
This data enables clinicians to detect subtle changes long before structural abnormalities become apparent.
Clinical Applications
OtOX can detect a wide range of middle ear conditions, including:
- Otitis media with effusion
- Negative middle ear pressure
- Tympanic membrane scarring and stiffening
- Ossicular chain dysfunction
- Subclinical abnormalities invisible on static examination
Unlike tympanometry, which infers function indirectly from pressure measurements, OtOX provides true visualization of membrane motion. Compared to acoustic reflectometry, it delivers spatially resolved motion data across the membrane surface, enabling detection of localized abnormalities.
Data Analysis & AI Integration
OtOX generates rich quantitative data that can be processed locally or transmitted to cloud-based AI engines trained on reference vibration patterns. This allows:
- Automated classification (normal vs abnormal)
- Trend tracking over repeated visits
- Diagnostic consistency across clinicians
By converting subjective assessment into objective biomechanical analysis, OtOX empowers clinicians to make confident decisions and track disease progression more accurately.
Who Benefits
OtOX is designed for a variety of clinical settings, including:
- Pediatric diagnostics
- Telemedicine and remote screening
- Rural clinics
- Emergency medicine
- ENT practices
- Primary care settings
By improving early detection, OtOX reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and improves patient outcomes, particularly in ambiguous cases.
Key Advantages
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Frequency-synchronized stroboscopic imaging | Visualizes true TM motion |
| Quantitative motion data | Objective, reproducible measurements |
| AI-powered analysis | Automated classification and trend tracking |
| Non-invasive, digital | Safe, patient-friendly, no physical contact |
| High spatial resolution | Detects localized functional abnormalities |