A common childhood condition could soon be treated at home, thanks to an innovative new device developed through Western Australian talent and global collaborations.
“Glue ear” known medically as otitis media with effusion (OME), affects up to 90 per cent of children before school age. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum due to negative middle ear pressure, often causing muffled hearing which can impact speech and learning.
Current clinical guidelines typically recommend a period of “watchful waiting” for up to three months. If symptoms persist, many children go on to require surgery to insert ear tubes, called Grommets.
For families, this can mean months of uncertainty followed by a procedure under general anaesthetic, and then potentially years of cautious behaviour such as not letting the child’s head submerge in pool water.
Earflo is a new, non-invasive device designed to help children clear fluid from the middle ear, safely and at home.
The technology works by delivering a gentle, controlled puff of air through the nose while a child swallows. This helps open the eustachian tube (the small passage connecting the ear to the back of the nose), allowing pressure to equalise and fluid to drain naturally.
Paired with a child-friendly companion app, the device turns treatment into a guided, engaging experience, helping children stay motivated while allowing parents and clinicians to track progress.
Early clinical research shows promising results. After using the device:
- 86 per cent of children experienced immediate improvement in ear pressure
- These improvements were sustained over four weeks
- 86 per cent of children with hearing loss showed measurable improvement
- Most children avoided the need for surgery
These findings suggest that regular, gentle ventilation of the middle ear could significantly improve outcomes during the “watchful waiting” period.
The Earflo technology was developed through the Global Faculty in Training program at Stanford Biodesign, a world-leading initiative focused on identifying unmet clinical needs and rapidly developing solutions.
Two of the Earflo founders, Dr. Intan Oldakowska and Dr. Matt Oldakowski, are also co-founders of Perth Biodesign, bringing this expertise directly into Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
Perth Biodesign is supported by the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research as a key partner, helping foster the next generation of clinician-innovators.
For parents, Earflo represents something that has long been missing: a practical option during the wait-and-see period. Instead of simply monitoring symptoms, families can take an active role in treatment, potentially reducing the need for surgery and improving hearing outcomes earlier.
With FDA clearance secured, Earflo is launching in the United States today, marking its official entry into the US market and a major milestone in the company’s journey. This transition from development and clinical validation into real-world commercial rollout represents an important step toward getting the technology into the hands of families who need it.
Developing accessible, non-invasive care for one of childhood’s most common conditions showcases the level of innovation here in Western Australia and the impact of translating great ideas into real-world health solutions.
