How Helpful Is Pneumatic Otoscopy in Improving Diagnostic Accuracy?

Abstract

Using a video otoendoscopic test, we found that accurate identification of both the presence and the absence of MEE improved after pneumatic assessment of TM mobility. Providers who were more accurate at otoscopy, defined by higher video total test scores, benefited more from the pneumatic component than providers with lower scores.

Using the shortwave infrared to image middle ear pathologies

“…Otoscopy is the most widely used technology for assessing middle ear effusions; however, studies have shown that current visible light-based otoscopy is limited in accuracy, with correct interpretation by 46% of general practitioners, 51% of pediatricians, and 76% of otolaryngologists (28,32,44). Integrating SWIR light into otoscopy extends the available wavelengths to a regime in which endogenous contrast of middle ear fluid is much greater than at visible wavelengths.…”

Home Made Pneumatic Otoscopy

“…Decreased mobility of the tympanic membrane may signify the presence of otitis media with effusion (OME). The gold standard for the diagnosis of OME remains to be pneumatic otoscopy [1][2][3].…”

“…Jones and Kaleida demonstrated the accuracy and importance of pneumatic otoscopy, by using a video otoendoscopic test, in the diagnosis of OME [1]. Unfortunately, pneumatic otoscopy is underused by some pediatricians.…”

Video otoscopy: Bringing otoscopy out of the “black box”

“…For ease of discussion, we will refer to all optical delivery devices as otoendoscopes. Because many otoendoscopes were designed for adult patients in whom static otoscopic examination is considered acceptable, they do not have the capability to perform pneumatic otoscopy, a very important aspect of the pediatric examination [7,21,22]. In order to obtain images in younger children, 3 mm (2.5 mm at times) specula compatibility is essential [19].…”