National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
The research can use low energy LED signal light sent into the ear canal to measure the tissue optical properties including the absorption of the light signal and the amount of signal that will be backscattered by the tissue components. These measurements will then be analyzed using a microprocessor to determine presence of fluid or inflammation of the eardrum.
Age
0–21
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
You may be eligible if
1. Male/ female at all age- newborn to adult.
2. Non- pregnant woman.
3. Diagnose of middle ear infection and plan for surgery procedure.
You may not be if
1. Pregnant woman
2. Incompetent adults (i.e. individuals with cognitive impairment)
3. No diagnose of middle ear infection and no plan for surgery procedure.
4. Adults with cognitive impairment and children of parents that are cognitively impaired and thus are unable to consent will be excluded from the study.
