Development of a Screening Method for the Eustachian Tube
The function of the eustachian tube is of fundamental importance for the middle ear and thus for well hearing. It regulates pressure differences and protects the middle ear against high peak pressure. Most inflammatory diseases of the middle ear result from an impaired function of the eustachian tube. The examination methods in clinical practice are not physiological and only provide information about a momentary condition of the tube function.
A non-contact screening method that detects an inward or outward bending of the eardrum and thus gives information about the well-being or malfunction of the eustachian tube, avoids impairing the physiological eardrum function and allows for a medical examination without adverse effect on the patient.
For non-contact detection of the shape of surfaces, optical triangulation systems are widely used in industry and in medicine. In this project, an optical triangulation system is going to be integrated in a mobile device for the measurement of the eardrum shape or bending and to make a diagnosis of the eustachian tube function.
Fig. 1: Surface plots of membranes
