Scientists have developed an innovative headphone that can clear out earwax efficiently without creating a mess.
The headphone-shaped cleaning device is called OtoSet Ear Cleaning System, and is the product of the Seattle-based medical startup SafKan Health. Otoset is claimed by the startup to be the first FDA-approved ear-cleaning device for removing mild to severe earwax quickly and safely.
Priced at $2,700, OtoSet Ear Cleaning System has recently received $8 million in funding, StudyFinds reported.
The cleaning device allows water to flow in and out of the ear canals by using a unique combination of irrigation and micro-suction technology. Moreover, it is an automated and wearable device.
However, the cleaning device is for use by healthcare professionals only.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, excessive build-up of earwax affects over 35 million Americans including 1 in 10 children, 1 in 20 adults, and more than a third of older people, PRNewsWire reported.
Impacted earwax is quite common, and can cause a variety of issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, pain, and coughing.
“Excessive earwax is one of the main causes of damage to hearing aids. Access to care for earwax management can be difficult when so many patients have to be referred out to specialists. OtoSet enables more patients to be treated at the initial point of care,” said Sahil Diwan, SafKan Health’s co-founder & CEO.
How does the device work?
During a cleaning cycle, liquid from solution containers moves through disposable ear tips and into the ear canals where it breaks down earwax. Using constant micro-suction, the earwax is dislodged, which then moves with the liquid back through the ear tips and collects into disposable waste containers.
As per the startup, the “device offers patients a safe, effective, and mess-free procedure.”
Latest funding
On Friday, a lead investment was added by the firm Unorthodox Ventures in SafKan Health. This equals total funding of $13 million to date, as per StudyFinds.
“I’ve dedicated my career to transforming old technology for the modern era, from ceiling fans to hand sanitizer systems. SafKan Health is doing the same with OtoSet,” said Unorthodox Ventures “Founding Contrarian” Carey Smith.
