WORLD’S FIRST OTOSCOPE WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IMAGE CLASSIFICATION OF EAR DISEASES

hearScope is an FDA registered digital otoscope that works with a smartphone and includes a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI) image classification feature to enable health providers to accurately diagnose ear diseases.

hearScope™ is a world-first digital otoscope for affordable access to ear care using a smartphone. It enables health providers across primary to tertiary levels to accurately diagnose patients with ear disease to ensure the right treatment is provided.

Since the release of hearScope™ in 2017. hearX has continuously improved the product for exceptional image quality and ease of use. The real power of this solution, however, is based on our proprietary AI approach to image analysis of the eardrum to classify the most common ear diseases. OnMarch 9, 2020, hearX released a free, beta version of the hearScope™ AI image classification feature - a world-first for ear diagnosis.

The hearScope™ AI image classification feature enables health practitioners to receive instantaneous classification results on images taken by the digital otoscope. The AI system is trained on thousands of tympanic membrane images diagnosed by ENT specialists. This beta version classifies an image into either normal, wax obstruction, chronic perforation, or abnormal results along with a confidence rating.

“We are excited to see this world-first AI system advance ear care for all ”,
~ De Wet Swanepoe, Lead Inventor and Co-founder at hearX Group.

This advanced AI classification feature is in beta testing mode and will support clinicians in their diagnosis of ear conditions.This beta version is in the process of being certified and is not currently intended as a standalone diagnostic tool, nor does it replace the diagnosis of a health practitioner. The ear condition categories are continually updated to support more ear disease categories for classification. Future updates of the beta version will expand the supported range or condition categories.

The AI image classification feature of hearScope is working towards classifying images in various additional pathology categories, such as acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), myringosclerosis, cholesteatoma, retractions, grommets in the tympanic membrane, foreign bodies in the ear canal with high accuracy.

Currently, the AI classification feature can classify normal tympanic membranes with an accuracy of 99%, wax obstruction with 100% accuracy and chronic perforations with a 98% accuracy. The abnormal classification currently indicates a high probability of a pathology present in the ear and suggests that the individual should opt for a professional examination of the tympanic membrane.

The hearScope™ smartphone video otoscope is an accurate, innovative solution that can reduce medical expenses, rapidly assist with the diagnosis of ear diseases, as well as support health practitioners when examining patients.

For more information about hearScope™ please visit: http://bit.ly/2TAc0LG

About hearX Group

hearX Group is an impact-driven scale-up with the mission of providing affordable access to hearing healthcare using smart digital solutions. hearX has conducted over a million tests in 39 countries globally. We offer the world’s first clinical smartphone hearing test solutions with the aim of providing a healthy hearing for everyone, everywhere.

Please contact Rachelle Lombaard or Bianca Nel if you would like to do an interview or any other form of public relations:

Rachelle Lombaard
Marketing Coordinator
rachelle@hearxgroup.com
+27 72 853 9599

Bianca Nel
Business Analyst
bianca@hearxgroup.com
+27 76 505 4402