Detecting Heart Rate Variability Using a Hearable

Smart overview of the Invention

A novel technique for detecting heart rate variability utilizes a hearable device, such as an earbud, employing a method called audioplethysmography. This method actively senses physiological changes in the user's outer and middle ear through acoustic signals rather than traditional optical or electrical sensors. By transmitting and receiving these signals, the hearable can monitor biometrics like heart rate variability and blood pressure, all while being unobtrusive and compact.

Importance of Health Monitoring

Health monitoring has gained popularity as individuals seek to track personal health metrics to achieve fitness goals and manage chronic illnesses. Active feedback from such monitoring can significantly enhance a person's quality of life by enabling timely medical intervention when necessary. However, many existing health devices can be uncomfortable or cumbersome, deterring users from regular monitoring.

Advantages of Audioplethysmography

Audioplethysmography offers several benefits over traditional health monitoring devices. It relies solely on the hearable's acoustic capabilities, forming an acoustic circuit that includes the outer ear seal, ear canal, and eardrum. This approach minimizes the need for additional hardware, reducing size, cost, and power consumption, thereby making health monitoring more accessible to a broader audience.

Methodology of Heart Rate Variability Detection

The process involves transmitting an acoustic signal that travels through the user's ear canal and receiving a modified version of that signal. The changes in characteristics of this received signal are analyzed to determine heart rate variability. Additionally, specific tones within the acoustic signals can be selected based on modifications observed in the received signal to enhance measurement accuracy.

Challenges and Considerations

Detecting heart rate variability poses challenges due to the subtlety of cardiac activity's modulation within acoustic signals. Factors such as wear conditions of the hearable and individual anatomical differences can affect the signal-to-noise ratio during measurements. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring reliable performance and accuracy in heart rate variability detection using hearables.