UIC Otology-Neurotology has developed an application that contains many varied images of tympanums and is available at no charge to iPad users, through the oversight of Miriam Redleaf, associate professor.

The tympanum images were donated by Richard Buckingham, M.D., longtime former clinicial professor in the Department. Medical student Sheena Samra developed the iPad application, and Dr. Redleaf paired her with programmer Andrew Wu. This collaboration has become an application that can be used by students or residents at any time.

The application allows a user to view an eardrum and open up clickable parts of it that provide views of different features of eardrums. Each click-through offers a different question about a condition associated with the view, allowing the user to explore different eardrums and check answers to the questions.

The application is a prime learning tool, one that allows students and residents to familiarize themselves with the eardrum – even when they have just a few minutes free. Instead of carrying a big atlas around – and trying to avoid looking at answers that are right there on the page - you’ve got an eardum with clickable dots on it - click on a dot, say what you think the structure is, and get feedback right away. Once satisfied all the questions about that eardrum are answered you move on to the next one.

Dr. Redleaf, Samra, and Wu demo'd a version to Dr. Buckingham, who was “completely thrilled”.

The present version of the application has more content: more educational material, streaming video, and a searchable database.