Alzheimer’s disease affects over 50 million people globally, with no known cure and challenges in early detection due to its progressive nature. Researchers from École de Technologie Supérieure and Dartmouth University are exploring the use of earpiece microphones to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s by monitoring involuntary eye movements, or saccades, which become slower and less accurate in affected individuals. These eye movements can create vibrations in the eardrum, which researchers hope to capture using sensitive microphones in hearable devices. This method offers a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional eye-tracking equipment, enabling continuous, long-term monitoring of potential neurological decline. Ultimately, the team aims to develop technology that could monitor Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders, providing early detection through in-ear signals.
Image from Unsplash by Mark Paton.