Method and System for a Portable AI-integrated ENT Examination Device with Interchangeable Probes

Abstract

Diseases affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) require a timely and accurate diagnosis. However, conventional diagnostic instruments such as otoscopes, laryngoscopes, and nasal endoscopes are typically designed as separate, single-purpose devices. This limits flexibility, equipment burden, and adds operational complexity in clinical practice. Also, the high cost of these devices makes them scarce and restricted to well-funded hospitals. This means that a large portion of people in low-income countries such as Bangladesh don't have access to reliable ENT diagnostics. In this work, we propose a novel handheld device that replaces multiple conventional ENT instruments and provides multi-functional diagnostic capabilities in a compact, unified platform. The system is based on a modular architecture, with a shared core unit handling imaging and processing and interchangeable probes for otoscopic and laryngoscopic examinations. The design prioritizes portability, affordability, and ease of use, making it suitable for use in remote settings. Preliminary prototyping and evaluation have demonstrated its feasibility at multi-site visual inspection using a single handheld device. This modular system includes basic AI-based anomaly detection for common ENT issues such as polyps, perforated eardrums, earwax buildup, and mucosal inflammation, providing a foundation for automated decision support. This device can reduce equipment redundancy, improve access to basic ENT diagnostics, and support point-of-care use in low-resource settings.