Published
Aug 2, 2024
in
Ear pain
Ear pain
Published
August 2, 2024
8/2/24
in
Ear pain

Detecting middle ear fluid using smartphones

Summer Health is a proud partner of WavelyDx whose new FDA-listed smartphone app and paper ear tip can detect fluid in your child's ear. We’ll share more about this innovative technology below.
Leslie Schrock
Written by
Leslie Schrock
Marketing Advisor
Medically reviewed by

Ear infections are the most common reason for in-person pediatric care since more than 80% of children get an ear infection before their third birthday. They happen when inflammation in the inner ear, often brought on by a cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory tract infection, causes fluid to build up and put pressure on the eardrum. Ear infections are diagnosed with an otoscope, or ear scope, which uses a scope, light, and magnifying lens to help pediatricians visually evaluate the eardrum and the presence of fluid.

Research shows that caregiver-led, at-home diagnosis with smartphone-driven systems is comparable to visual examinations by trained physicians. With the addition of a small paper tip and app download, most of today’s smartphones can become diagnostic tools to understand and diagnose ear infections remotely. This simple, proven screening tool can reduce the over 30 million in-person visits for parents seeking this diagnosis each year, saving money and helping children get healthier faster. 

Summer Health is proud to partner with WavelyDx to bring at-home ear infection diagnosis to our families from the comfort of home. The WavelyDx system uses the microphone and speaker in smartphones, in concert with a paper tip and app that processes the sound data to detect fluid buildup. The process is simple: the smartphone's speaker emits a soft acoustic chirp into the ear canal, and the microphone captures the reflected sound from the eardrum. This data is then processed by the app, which can predict whether or not middle ear fluid is present, even if earwax is present. A normal eardrum creates a broad-spectrum, soft echo. One obstructed by fluid or pus, as is the case in ear infections, has less vibrational capacity. If there’s an infection, our team will call in a prescription, and your child will feel better faster.

The WavelyDx device is free for Total Care subscribers and is $20 to Summer Health Enhanced subscribers. If your child is prone to ear infections, we recommend purchasing the device before you need it so it’s available when the urgency arises. Based on the WavelyDx result and their other symptoms, our providers may be able to issue an ear infection diagnosis. To get your at-home Summer Health ear tip kit, click here.

‍

References
Thank you for reading the Summer Health blog! We’d love your feedback to ensure the blog continues to meet your needs along your parenting journey. Share your thoughts for a chance to win a Lovevery play mat.
Ear pain
Babywearing
Toddler
Newborn
Feeding
Gastrointestinal Issues
Skin Issues
Vitamins and supplements
Vomiting and diarrhea
Condition
Vaccines
Development
Sleep training
Development
Tummy time
Development
Sleep
Sleep
Rashes
Condition
Starting solid foods
Nutrition
Potty training
Development
Fever
Illness
Pink eye
Illness
Ear pain
Condition
Feeding issues
Nutrition
Minor cuts and scrapes
Condition
Diaper rash
Condition
Developmental milestones
Development
Cradle Cap
Condition
Constipation
Condition
Cough
Illness
Belly pain
Condition
COVID-19
Illness
Colds
Illness
Breastfeeding
Nutrition

In this article

•
Example H2
Example H3
Explore Summer Health
Ask about 
ear pain
Our team of pediatricians are ready to answer the everyday questions you have about your child’s health.
Get started
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/mo

Got questions about

ear pain

?

Our team of pediatricians are ready to answer your questions about
ear pain
and all the everyday questions you have about your child’s health.
Text a pediatrician
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month

Have a question about food and nutrition?

Our nutritionists are ready to help with your family’s feeding questions.
Text a nutritionist
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month

Have a question about behavioral development?

Our development experts are ready to help with your behavioral questions.
Text a development expert
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month

Have a question about sleep?

Our sleep specialists are ready to help with your child’s nap and nighttime questions.
Text a sleep specialist
*Requires Summer Health account, starting at $45/month