A smartphone app could help diagnose ear infections more accurately — and at home
With a paper funnel and machine learning, a new smartphone app could help determine at home whether a child has an ear infection.
Middle ear infections, which are detected by fluid buildup in the ear canal, are the most common reason for pediatric visits. Some 2 million kids every year have these infections, but beyond signs of discomfort or sometimes a fever, it’s hard to know at home what may be happening. And left unattended, such infections could cause serious complications, including hearing loss and meningitis.
A general physician, either in the emergency room or
