The evolution of headlight devices in the work of otorhinolaryngologists

Invention and improving the methods of ENT examination are closely connected with the technological inventions of the 19th and 20th centuries. The invention of the classical exam head mirror in 1861 and improvement of the manufacturing of compact and powerful sources of light (filament lamps) at the time caused the researchers to create new devices for ENT examination. In particular, a head-mounted electro-mirror was created, the principle of which later became the basis for the development of fiber-optic headlamps. The emergence of powerful halogen and xenon light sources in the mid-20th century and the use of fiber-optics technology led to the development of fundamentally new mirror less headlamps. The traditional head-mounted reflector has gradually disappeared from the practice of an otolaryngologist. For our part, we can see how fiber-optic headlamps have been progressively replaced by heavy-duty LED headlamps over the last nine years. In order to determine the effectiveness of each available headlamp type and to answer the question of whether there is a benefit in using and maintaining a reflector headlamp, and to determine which current head-lamps are effective, we conducted our own research. Summing up the results, we came to the conclusion that despite its historic role in the development of otorhinolaryngology, the headlamp reflector through its low, in comparison with modern illuminators, characteristics have lost its relevance and, apparently, nowadays can serve as a museum exhibit. The head-mounted LED illuminator, a 21st century device, is gaining in popularity and is gradually becoming the standard for use in primary ENT diagnosis and during otorhinolaryngological surgical interventions. Its features such as full autonomy, lightweight, ease of use – especially the alignment of the light beam with the surgeon's eye – long operating time without recharging the battery (7 to 30 days) – depending on the manufacturer and the workload of the device – is beyond competition with any other head-mounted device for ENT organ examination.