Apparatus and method for analysis of acoustic reflectance and thermal radiation of an ear

摘要

A radiation thermometer and acoustic reflectometer are combined in the same device. The combined instrumentation can be used to improve alignment between a device and the tympanic membrane, thus improving the accuracy of measurements. In addition, the device can provide diagnostic information based on both the measured temperature and the determined likelihood that fluid is present in the middle of the ear, to indicate the risk of an ear infection. The medical instrument analyzes an ear of a subject, using an acoustic reflectometer and a radiation thermometer. The acoustic reflectometer includes an acoustic transducer for generating acoustic waves at a plurality of frequencies and a microphone for receiving an acoustic signal corresponding to acoustic signals reflected from the ear to provide an output signal. The radiation sensor detects thermal radiation from the ear and provides a signal indicative thereof. The device coordinates measurements by the acoustic reflectometer and radiation sensor to provide an output indicative of a condition of the ear. The medical instrument may indicate to the user when both an elevated temperature and fluid are detected in the ear to provide an indication of a risk of ear infection.