Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. Middle Ear Monitor to consumers. Otitis media is the number one reason for doctor visits among preschool-aged children, accounting for more than 24.5 million such visits each year. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control's most recent study on the disease, otitis media is on the rise. The number of office visits for children under two years of age tripled between 1975 and 1990, and doubled during that period for children aged two to five.
Experts attribute the disease's rise to the increased numbers of children in group daycare settings.
Until now, parents have had difficulty determining when a child needs to be seen by a physician for signs of ear infection. This can help prompt early treatment when necessary, especially for children who suffer from chronic ear infections. At the same time, it may benefit the health care system by reducing unnecessary office visits. The handheld instrument is quick and easy to use, and painless for the child. It will initially be available through The Sharper Image and The Right Start catalogs and retail stores.