Self-monitoring of the tympanic membrane: An opportunity for telemedicine during times of COVID-19 and beyond

The interest for telemedicine has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic because of the risk of infection. Recently, commercial companies started selling digital USB-otoscopes (DUO) that can be connected to a mobile phone. These DUOs are inexpensive (costing approximately $6–35 each) and make it poss...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Bayoumy, A.B., Veugen, C.C.A.F.M., van Rijssen, L.B., Bok, J.W.M., Borgstein, J.
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Chinese PLA General Hospital 2021
Materias:
Short Communication
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7832146/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33519926
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joto.2020.12.003
Descripción
Sumario:The interest for telemedicine has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic because of the risk of infection. Recently, commercial companies started selling digital USB-otoscopes (DUO) that can be connected to a mobile phone. These DUOs are inexpensive (costing approximately $6–35 each) and make it possible to visualize the whole tympanic membrane. Here, we illustrate the case of a patient who had operative correction of a tympanic membrane retraction, and who self-monitored the tympanic membrane in the course of time. Additionally, we discuss the use of DUOs in otolaryngology telemedicine practice. The use of simple digital USB otoscopes provides a promising method to assess and monitor the tympanic membrane remotely. However, more research is needed to establish the role of DUOs in telemedicine.

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