Noninvasive depth-resolved optical measurements of the tympanic membrane and middle ear for differentiating otitis media

Objective/Hypothesis In this study, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to noninvasively and quantitatively determine tympanic membrane (TM) thickness and the presence and thickness of any middle‐ear biofilm located behind the TM. These new metrics offer the potential to differentiate normal, acute, and chronic otitis media (OM) infections in pediatric subjects. Study Design Case series with comparison group. Methods The TM thickness of 34 pediatric subjects was acquired using a custom‐built, handheld OCT system following a traditional otoscopic ear exam. Results Overall thickness (TM and any associated biofilm) was shown to be statistically different for normal, acute, and chronic infection groups (normal‐acute and normal‐chronic: P value