This Device Can Tell You if Your Child’s Ear Infection Might Become Something Worse

This smart thermometer doesn’t just monitor temperature, it can also take a look inside your kid’s ear

Otiton's Medical's Smart Thermometer
Otiton Medical's Smart Thermometer. ©Image Credit: Otition Medical

Telehealth is on the rise – any sort of medical care that can be done at home lightens loads on doctors, while saving patients’ money on trips to the hospital or clinic. Otiton Medical is getting into telehealth with their upcoming Smart Thermometer, a device parents can use not just to monitor their kids’ temperatures, but become aware of potentially more serious ailments.

The Smart Thermometer doesn’t just take temperatures – it’s also equipped with a high-definition camera that can take a clearer, closer look at the interior of the ear. The device then passes that video along to Otiton’s Doctor in Home app, which can use its algorithm to determine whether there’s a risk of otitis media, an ear infection that can lead to more serious maladies if untreated.

Otiton Medical was founded by CEO Kim Jaeyoung, who was inspired to start it after a frustrating health care experience with one of his children. But, coming from a tech background, the company is aware of the challenges that health care presents.

Doctor In Home Application.
The Doctor In Home app works alongside the smart thermometer. ©Image Credit: Otition Medical

While the app can recommend some over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms, the main recommendation the app makes is to go see a doctor if there’s a serious problem.

Otiton is planning a United States launch of their device next year after a trip to CES 2025, and is also active in Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Here in the United States, the Otiton Medical team told me that parents will be able to enter their insurer, so that if the app recommends nearby ENT specialists, they’ll see doctors that work with their insurance. Parents will also be able to share any data they get with their family doctor, if they already have one.

But, the device might be even more impactful for families that lack health insurance, or for families that live in rural areas, miles away from the nearest hospital. With the Smart Thermometer, they’ll have a medical grade device to conduct a simple, front-line test that can help determine whether a trip to the doctor is necessary, or can help make a virtual visit with a doctor more worthwhile.

While Otiton is starting by keying in on detecting otitis media, they’re looking to expand what the Doctor in Home app is capable of. The camera can be used to scan ear, nose, and throat, meaning that the app could eventually be an early warning device for any number of ENT maladies.

Otition is also developing new products for pet health (with a separate app) and for blood sugar measurement, but those are still a little further out.

For 2025, Otition Medical is focusing on their Smart Thermometer, which is ready to go to market – and we know that because they’ve already got color options locked in! They’ll make the thermometer in green, pink, ivory, black, blue, and white. A simple way to make sure the kids are healthy is the most important part, but having a good set of color options never hurts!


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