| Excellent depth perception to accurately assess small distances |
Stereoscopic 3D image for exceptional depth perception |
Flat 2D image with limited depth perception on a smartphone screen |
Only the O Scope provides stereoscopic 3D vision, allowing precise distance assessment and improving precision, outcomes, and safety. |
| Working with both hands free |
Both hands free |
Only one hand free |
Both hands must be free: one to fix the pinna and straighten the ear canal for optimal visibility; the other to instrument and anchor. Never use the speculum to stretch the canal—it can cause trauma, pain, and bleeding. |
| Direct vision and learning curve |
Direct vision lowers learning threshold; >95% adoption in one practice day |
Indirect viewing and poorer depth perception increase the learning threshold; ~10% adoption in one practice day |
The ease of use of the Vorotek O Scope reduces training needs, shortens the learning curve, and lowers error rates; enables involvement of the HCP assistant. |
| Safe and stable anchoring during instrumentation |
Easily anchored against the patient or speculum for safe stability |
Difficult to anchor safely due to tight proximity of screen and speculum |
If the patient moves, a poorly anchored hand can cause trauma in the ear canal. Proper anchoring is crucial for patient safety. |
| Patient comfort & infection risk |
Speculum only used to bypass hairs; instruments are single-use or sterilizable |
Smartphone speculum |
A smartphone speculum is used single-handedly to stretch the ear canal; this may be painful and is difficult to disinfect properly, increasing infection risk. |
| Lightweight device to hold |
Head-mounted: nothing handheld, no weight to carry |
Heavy to hold; handheld device |
Multiple treatments per day increase RSI/carpal tunnel risk due to the weight of a handheld device. |
| Natural skin tone rendering |
Surgical light with daylight color (5,700 K) and 55,000 lux: natural skin tone |
Distorted skin tone due to smartphone software and automatic image processing |
Smartphones may shift skin tone by several shades, complicating diagnosis. Natural color rendering is essential. |
| Focusing the image |
Depth of field at 10 cm: consistently sharp view of canal and eardrum |
Refocusing requires zooming with the free hand |
To refocus, the suction tube must be put down, interrupting the procedure and increasing contamination and infection risk. |
| Multiple applications |
For multiple uses: earwax removal, ear impressions, fitting Phonak Lyric, etc. |
Only single application |
Medical device used by ENT surgeons: earwax removal, grommet insertion, minor procedures (meatoplasty), removal of foreign bodies in ear/nose/throat, nosebleeds, etc. |
| Brand value |
Professional appearance; used by ENT surgeons and hospitals |
Looks amateurish and “DIY-like” |
Using the Vorotek O Scope elevates your brand: professional ear care by trained specialists with serious equipment — “both hands on the wheel.” |
