Use Your iPhone to Detect Ear Infections at Home

Georgia Institute of Technology experts announce the development of an attachment for the iPhone that could be used at home, to diagnose potential ear infections. The team at Georgia Tech worked closely with experts at the Emory University for this research.

The new Remotoscope system consists of a clip-on attachment covering the rear camera of the iPhone, as well as a software application designed to process the images. These photos can then be sent to the family's physician, who will have access to all the data needed to make an accurate diagnostic.

“Ultimately we think parents could receive a diagnosis at home and forgo the late-night trips to the emergency room. It’s known that kids who get ear infections early in life are at risk for recurrent ear infections. It can be a very big deal and really affect their families’ quality of life,” the team says.

One of the most important things about the new system is that physicians could receive images and video over the course of several days, allowing them to prescribe antibiotics only when really necessary. No word yet as to when the Remotoscope will be available.