AI takes on ear infections: could cut unnecessary antibiotics in kids
NCT ID NCT06876259
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether an AI-powered app can help doctors more accurately diagnose ear infections in young children (6-24 months) with cold symptoms. Researchers will compare standard ear exams with the AI app's analysis of eardrum photos. The goal is to see if the AI reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions by improving diagnostic accuracy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- AI diagnostic software
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this AI tool could help doctors diagnose ear infections more accurately, reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early study focused on diagnosis, not treatment. The AI may not work as well in real-world settings, and it won't directly cure or prevent infections.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 24 months
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6-24 months * Presence of upper respiratory infection Exclusion Criteria: * No upper respiratory infection * Otorrhea * Tympanostomy tubes * Currently taking antimicrobials
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Children's Community Pediatrics Brentwood
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15227, United States
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Children's Community Pediatrics Castle Shannon
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15234, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Could an AI device replace the Doctor's visit for kids with ear infections and asthma?
- 15-Minute nasal swab could curb antibiotic overuse for colds
- New study aims to curb antibiotic overuse for coughs and colds