Smartphone-Enabled Otoscopy in Neurotology/Otology:

ObjectiveA smartphone-enabled otoscope (SEO) can capture tympanic membrane (TM) images. We sought to compare a SEO to microscopic otoscopy in the detection and evaluation of TM pathology in an otology/neurotology practice.Study DesignProspective single-site study in adults presenting over a 3-month period.SettingNeurotology clinic within a tertiary care academic medical center.Subjects and MethodsFollowing consent, 57 patients underwent a medical and microscopic ear examination. Afterward, clinicians photographed bilateral TMs using a SEO. A second “blinded” neurotologist received a SEO-acquired image of each TM and a brief patient history. Our primary end point was identification of TM pathology (or lack thereof) and the blinded neurotologists’ corresponding diagnosis. Secondary end points included patient-reported SEO comfort levels.ResultsA single SEO-acquired TM image and brief patient history resulted in correct diagnosis of 96% (23/24) of normal TMs and identification of 100% (33/33) of microscope-c...