Otoscope and Ear Microscope

There are about 19 million presentations to clinics and hospitals due to ear wax in U.S., Europe and Australia every year!

iXope enables general practitioners to safely remove ear wax with microsuction in the same manner as specialists. Ear wax impaction is a common problem which requires appropriate treatment to prevent further or even permanent damage of the eye and ear.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists using an ear microscope for ear wax removal are unable to insert the instrument into regular otoscopes. Since iXope is an all-in-one device, this no longer becomes an issue.

Ear microscopes take 1/3 of consultation rooms and cost 10x more than regular otoscopes. Therefore, they are not suitable for general practice. The skill set required to operate ear microscopes is quite difficult and requires extensive training. This is due to the fact that doctors must look through binoculars and coordinate precise hand movements at the same time. As a result of this, GPs are still using syringing as a method of ear wax removal. However, this procedure has a high complication rate of 1 in 1000 which ranges from simple irritation or infection to more serious conditions such as permanent loss of hearing.

iXope is an affordable alternative to an ear microscope, fitting in the doctor’s pocket with the same features as conventional ear microscopes. This enables general practitioners to safely offer additional services and keep patients out of the hospital setting.

The magnification features offered via iXope mean doctors have an unobstructed view of the eardrum before commencing treatment. Ear drops, which are commonly used for “swimmers’ ear” (otitis externa) include antibiotics and steroids. In this case, treatment should commence as soon as possible to avoid complications. The application is more effective when the ear canal is clean. Irrigation for this or other specific conditions like perforation of the ear drum is contraindicated.

Perforations of ear drums are quite common and can be a result of a middle ear infection or trauma. When this occurs, a follow up is required to ensure complete healing and to check that no further treatment by an ENT specialist is required. In this instance, the imagery offered via iXope is an effective and easy way to document and monitor the extent and location of the damage. Therefore, iXope helps doctors in shared care of the same patient to make appropriate decisions in follow-up appointments.

iXope allows doctors to remove ear wax, foreign bodies and pus under highly magnified vision by using microsuction. Like conventional ear microscopes the suction device can be inserted into the ear canal and then be directly seen on iXope’s screen. Instead of looking through binoculars, the doctor can see the patient, the ear and the operating hand all at the same time. This helps to identify any discomfort or pain of the patient, which would prompt the doctor to halt the procedure. Having a clear view of the operating hand makes it much easier for doctors to precisely coordinate hand movements during the procedure. Instead of sending patients away, which would result in extra costs and delays in treatment, these procedures can now be done instantly and safely by general practitioners.

The success and progress of the procedures can be easily documented with iXope. These images can be shared with the patient and helps them to further understand their condition. In the event that complications and medico-legal matters arise, documentation via iXope might help doctors to provide evidence that the best care and necessary precautions had been provided.