Overview
Developed OtoFind, an innovative solution aimed at addressing the critical issue of diagnosing ear diseases, particularly in underserved regions. Acute Otitis Media (AOM) affects approximately 75% of children by age three, leading to severe complications if untreated. Conditions like Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and excessive earwax also pose significant risks. To combat these challenges, especially in developing countries with limited healthcare access, we created OtoFind.
Personal Motivation and Background
My journey with OtoFind began with a desire to tackle the prevalent issue of late diagnosis in ear diseases. Witnessing the impact of hearing loss in my com and understanding the global challenges, I was driven to develop a solution that could make a difference, especially in underserved areas.
The Problem
Late diagnosis of ear diseases can lead to severe complications, including permanent hearing loss and death. The lack of affordable, accessible diagnostic tools exacerbates this issue, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Existing solutions are often expensive and require specialist review, making timely diagnosis difficult for many families.
The Solution: OtoFind
To solve the problem of late diagnosis, I developed OtoFind, a cost-effective, accessible solution. Our product combines a 3D-printed otoscope with a powerful mobile app, enabling early and accurate diagnosis of ear diseases.
3D-Printable Otoscope
Key Components
3D-Printable Otoscope: Designed a budget-friendly device that attaches to a smartphone, capturing high-quality images of the inner ear.
Mobile App: Utilizes machine learning to analyze the images and predict the presence of ear diseases like Acute Otitis Media (AOM), Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM), and excessive earwax.
Achievements
Development: Developed and validated an iOS version of the app using TensorFlow and a dataset of 500 otoscope images.
Efficiency: Leveraged MobileNetv3 architecture for efficient on-device analysis, enhancing privacy and offline usability.
Cost-Effectiveness: Created a solution with a manufacturing cost of $24.82 per unit and a selling price of $44.99.
For more details or inquiries about OtoFind, or if you're interested in using it, please feel free to contact me.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, we envision OtoFind evolving to diagnose a broader range of ear conditions and expanding its reach globally. Our long-term goal is to integrate advanced AI features and collaborate with more international health organizations to maximize our impact.
Future Plans
- Refinement: Continuous improvement through clinical trials to ensure accuracy across diverse ear types.
- Expansion: Extending reach to more smartphone models and regions, particularly underserved areas.