The aim of the project was to develop a 3D printable otoscope that could be used in a humanitarian aid context to overcome supply-chain issues for communities in remote or inaccessible areas following a natural disaster, such as an earthquake.

Material costs were kept low by using an LED as the light source. Fibre optic filament was used to transfer the LED light source to the nozzle end of the otoscope. The optical fibres were wrapped around the otoscope nozzle to provide a light source ring. This enabled an unobstructed view through the nozzle while shining the light into the ear canal.