Computer-based otitis media classification can provide access to diagnosis in developing countries.
Diagnostic accuracy of the image-analysis classification system was comparable to general practitioners' and pediatricians'.
Most people globally do not have access to health care specialists who can diagnose one of the most common childhood illnesses, otitis media (middle ear infection). Affecting more than half a billion people annually, early and accurate diagnosis can ensure appropriate treatment to minimize the widespread impact of ear infections. We developed an image-analysis classification system that can diagnose otitis media with an accuracy comparable to that of general practitioners and pediatricians. The software system, which can be cloud-based for remote image uploading, could provide rapid access to accurate diagnoses in developing countries.