WavelyDx®: At-Home Ear Infection Checks (Using Acoustic Reflectance)
Last updated: January 2026
Ear pain, fevers, and “Is this an ear infection?” moments often happen at the worst times—nights, weekends, holidays. WavelyDx is a consumer-facing tool designed to reduce guesswork by helping caregivers screen for middle ear fluid, a key physical finding that can be associated with acute ear infections and other middle-ear conditions.
What WavelyDx Is
WavelyDx is a smartphone-based middle ear fluid scanner that uses acoustic reflectance (sometimes described as “soft chirps” or “sound wave technology”) rather than a camera. The app guides you through a scan and returns a simple result (commonly described as a likely/unlikely style output), which can help you decide whether it’s time to escalate to a clinician.
How Acoustic Reflectance Works (Plain-English Version)
Middle ear fluid changes how the eardrum vibrates and how sound reflects back through the ear canal. WavelyDx plays short tones into the ear canal and measures the reflected sound. The app’s algorithm analyzes the pattern and estimates whether fluid is present.
Who It’s Best For
- Parents of kids 6+ months who want a faster “do we need a visit?” signal.
- Families with recurrent ear infections who want objective trend checks between appointments.
- Caregivers using telehealth who want something more objective than “symptoms only.”
- Anyone who wants a middle ground between “wait and see” and “urgent care now.”
Device Compatibility (Read This Before You Buy Tips)
- iPhone: Available via the iOS App Store.
- Android: Available on Google Play, but currently limited to specific models (check the listing for the current supported phone list).
- Availability: The app is listed for U.S. users.
What You Need
- A compatible phone (see compatibility above).
- The WavelyDx app.
- Scan-ready ear tips (single-use per scan session; typically used to scan both ears in one session).
Pricing & Supplies (Typical)
Pricing can change, but the table below reflects the typical structure: a small consumable cost (ear tips) plus app access.
| What you buy | Typical price | What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scan-ready ear tips (6-pack) | $9.99 | One scan session per tip (typically both ears) | Often available for fast delivery; some offers include a small sample pack for first-time users. |
| App access (3-month) | $27 / 3 months | Unlimited scans during the subscription period | Cancel anytime. |
| App access (annual) | $60 / year | Unlimited scans during the subscription period | Lower effective monthly cost vs shorter plans. |
| Pay-as-you-need (1 week) | $9 / week | Unlimited scans for 7 days | No subscription / no renewal (where offered). |
How to Use It (Fast Walkthrough)
- Attach the ear tip (or follow the in-app instructions for setup).
- Angle correctly: The ear canal angles forward—aiming toward the nose can help the sound travel down the canal.
- Run the scan on one ear, then the other (one “scan session”).
- Use the result to decide next steps—monitor, message your pediatrician, or book a visit/telehealth.
WavelyDx vs Other At-Home Options
If you’re deciding between WavelyDx and alternatives, the key difference is that WavelyDx targets fluid detection (an objective physical finding), while most consumer tools either show a picture (otoscope) or track symptoms (thermometer).
| Option | What it measures | Skill required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WavelyDx (acoustic reflectance) | Likelihood of middle ear fluid | Low (guided workflow + positioning) | Quick “do we need care?” screening; telehealth support; objective signal beyond symptoms |
| Smartphone otoscope (camera) | Images of ear canal / eardrum | Medium–high (getting a usable view is tricky) | Sharing images with clinicians; checking wax/irritation (interpretation can be hard) |
| Ear/forehead thermometer | Temperature | Low | Fever tracking; supportive context, not fluid detection |
| In-clinic tympanometry / exam | Middle-ear function + clinician assessment | Clinician-administered | Definitive diagnosis and treatment decisions |
When to Skip “At-Home” and Seek Care
- Severe ear pain, stiff neck, swelling/redness behind the ear, or worsening symptoms
- High fever in infants, dehydration, lethargy, or any symptom set that worries you
- Ear drainage, hearing changes, or repeated episodes in a short time
Bottom Line
If you want the most “non-camera” at-home option—one that targets an objective physical finding—WavelyDx is one of the few consumer-accessible tools built around acoustic reflectance for detecting middle ear fluid. It won’t replace a clinician’s diagnosis, but it can meaningfully improve triage decisions and reduce unnecessary visits.
Quick Start Checklist
- Confirm your phone is compatible
- Install the app
- Keep ear tips on-hand for the next “My ear hurts” moment
References (URLs)
- iOS App Store listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wavelydx/id6448490271
- Google Play listing (Android compatibility list): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_US&id=com.wavelydx
- Ear tips (Amazon product page): https://www.amazon.com/Scan-Ready-Infection-Test-Tips-iOS-Compatible/dp/B0DVNQ7P41
- WavelyDx “Get Ear Tips” pricing/options page: https://www.wavelydx.com/get-ear-tips
- FDA/NLM AccessGUDID device record: https://accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00860007953712
- UW Medicine Newsroom summary of the underlying smartphone + funnel approach: https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/1st-smartphone-app-can-detect-ear-infections-children
