mostly verbalise , using an internet connection to diagnose a aesculapian experimental condition is rarely recommended . But technology is getting better at outpacing skepticism over hand-held devices guiding decisions and suggest discussion relating to wellness care . The most late example is an app that foretell to identify one of the central symptom of ear infections in kids .
The Associated Pressreportsthat researchers at the University of Washington are tightlipped to finalizing an app that would permit a parent to assess whether or not their nipper has an ear transmission using their phone , some newspaper , and some soft noises . A lowly piece of paper is folded into a funnel shape shape andinsertedinto the ear epithelial duct to concentre the app ’s sound ( which resemble bird chirps ) toward the kid ’s ear . The app measures sound wave bouncing off the eardrum . If pus or fluid is present , the sound waves will be interpolate , indicating a possible infection . The parent would then experience a textbook from the app send word them of the presence of buildup in the middle ear .
The University of Washington try the efficacy of the app by pass judgment roughly 50 patients scheduled to undergo auricle surgery at Seattle Children ’s Hospital . The app was able to identify fluid in patient role ' ears about 85 pct of the time . That ’s roughly as well as traditional exams , which regard optical recognition as well as specialised acoustical devices .
While the system looks foretell , not all case of fluid in the ear are the consequence of infections or require medical attention . Parents would need to evaluate other symptom , such as fever , if they intend to use the app to decide whether or not to seek medical tending . It may prove most good in child with persistent fluid accumulation , a status that require to be monitor over the course of months when deciding whether a drain tube needs to be localise . Checking for fluid at home would save both time and money compared to double visit to a doctor .
The app does not yet have Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approval and there is no timetable for when it might be commercially available . If it pass conscription , it would fall in a act of FDA - sanction “ smart ” medical diagnostic tool , include the AliveKor CardiaBand for the Apple Watch , whichconductsEKG monitoring for heart irregularities .
[ h / tWGRZ ]
