The AURICAL OTOcam 300 from GN Otometrics makes it easier for doctors to examine a patient’s ear canal, eardrum or middle ear. The device also makes it easier for the doctor to explain the examination and its results to patients and their families.
“What’s so special about the AURICAL OTOcam 300 is that you can easily connect the camera to a computer and show everything the camera sees while you perform the examination. The AURICAL OTOcam 300 can be used to diagnose eardrum and middle ear problems and to show, for example, whether a drainage tube is correctly in place. But the recording can also be used for patient and family guidance, because they can follow the examination on the computer screen,” explains product manager Peter Kossek.
Better communication between audiologist/doctor and patient is essential in gaining patient understanding and acceptance of the diagnosis and treatment he or she will have to go through.
Removes Obstacles
The AURICAL OTOcam 300 was developed for ear-nose-throat specialists, but using it can also be a great advantage for hearing instrument dispensers.
“When you fit a hearing aid, the ear must be absolutely clean: the earplug must be placed correctly in the ear canal, and you have to be sure that the sound coming from the hearing aid is not affected by anything that doesn’t belong there, like ear wax. The AURICAL OTOcam 300 can be used to look for ear wax and remove it using a specially designed speculum fitted with a small tool (a small ring),” says Kossek.
The AURICAL OTOcam 300 is much smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the OTOcam II. The OTOcam II weighs 14 kilos (about 30 lbs.) including the case and all its accessories; the AURICAL OTOcam 300 weighs less than 1½ kilos (3 lbs.) and is much smaller. This is mainly because the light source in the old model was in a separate box on the desk. The new model has an LED display built into the camera handle.
“Now our salespeople and users can literally carry their otoscope in their pocket instead of on trolleys or in big trunks,” says Kossek.
Optimal Optics
GN Otometrics’ user-friendly NOAH-compatible software is built into the AURICAL OTOcam 300, allowing the user to run the software and save images by pressing buttons instead of having to use foot pedals or click a mouse. This makes procedures easier, helps eliminate errors and lets the operator concentrate on the patient rather than the equipment.
“The optics of the AURICAL OTOcam 300 are so sharp that images can easily be shown on a 42” screen, making it much easier for dispensers to train people in how to use their hearing aids. Getting better training makes users more satisfied with their hearing instruments, and that ultimately results in better hearing aid sales,” says Peter Kossek.
GN Otometrics President Søren Holst is proud of the unique product and its strong functionality and ergonomic features.
“The AURICAL OTOcam 300 marks our leading position in terms of innovative concepts aimed at helping healthcare professionals make the best decisions. I am confident that the AURICAL OTOcam 300 will be a huge success,” he says.
Read more about GN Otometrics on www.otometrics.com