Despite a high prevalence of chronic otitis media and related complications, many African dispensaries and clinics lack microscopes or fiberoptic equipment for examining external ear ducts and tympanic membranes.

An alternative, inexpensive, and readily available device designed for ear wax removal is presented as a clinical ear and anterior nasal cavity examination tool. The device connects to Wi-Fi or cellular networks, providing high-definition images of the ear and anterior nasal cavity through a smartphone interface. Its use, utility, strengths, and limitations are discussed.

This paper describes a novel, cost-effective, and user-friendly device for examining the external ear, tympanic membrane, and anterior nasal cavity of patients throughout humanitarian missions.