Apparatus and method for analysis of ear pathologies by detecting fluid in the ear, measuring body temperature and/or determining a characteristic of a fluid
US6126614A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/121
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved indication of a condition of an ear of a subject, such as a human or other mammal, is provided by combining two or more measurements such as body temperature, detection of fluid in the ear (for example by acoustic reflectance), and/or a characteristic of any fluid in the ear. Results of any two of these measurements may be combined to provide improved diagnostic information. The combination of measured body temperature and a determined likelihood that fluid is present in the ear provides improved diagnostic information regarding the risk of an ear infection. In particular, if a subject has an elevated body temperature and the likelihood is high that fluid is present in the ear, an indication of a risk of ear infection may be provided by the device. The presence of fluid may be detected using acoustic reflectometry, tympanometry, pneumatic otoscopy, otoacoustic emissions or other mechanism. If temperature is measured in the ear, for example by using radiation thermometry, the combined instrumentation may be used to improve alignment between the device and the tympanic membrane, thus improving the accuracy of both temperature measurement and fluid detection. Chemical sens…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.