In vivo optical characterization of middle ear effusions associated with otitis media

Middle ear effusions (MEEs) are accumulated middle ear secretions or fluid behind the eardrum during otitis media (OM). A portable, handheld OCT system was developed to non-invasively investigate various optical scattering properties of MEEs in pediatric subjects. Furthermore, clinically relevant parameters of MEEs, including viscosity and bacterial load, were measured from the extracted MEEs after the surgical procedure to treat OM. In vivo OCT images of the middle ear prior to the surgery, OCT images of the extracted MEEs, and biological parameters were correlated to determine the relationship between the optical signatures in MEEs and the clinical findings of OM.