Coherent Optical Detection of Middle Ear Disease

Launched by MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · Apr 28, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new technology called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to help doctors better diagnose ear infections in children, specifically acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). Think of OCT as a high-tech tool that works like an ultrasound, but for the ear. The researchers want to see if using this technology alongside traditional methods, like looking into the ear with a device called pneumatic otoscopy, can improve the accuracy of diagnoses.

To participate in this study, children must be between 1 to 6 years old and have a parent who has noticed symptoms like ear pain or has been referred for an ear evaluation. It's important that the family speaks English. However, children with certain conditions, such as craniofacial abnormalities or current ear tubes, cannot join. If eligible, participants will receive a thorough ear examination using both the standard methods and the new OCT technology. This trial is currently looking for children to take part, and it could help improve how ear infections are diagnosed in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Parental complaint of ear infection or ear pain (Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care Clinics) OR referred for evaluation of otitis media with effusion (Children's Wisconsin ENT Clinic)
• • Speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children with craniofacial abnormalities
• • Children with diagnosed immunologic abnormalities
• • Children with congenital syndromic conditions
• • Current open and functioning ear tubes