Scientists are exploring a groundbreaking approach to detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease by analyzing vibrations in the eardrums using in-ear microphones. The innovative research, conducted by teams at the École de Technologie Supérieure in Montreal, Canada, and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, NH, aims to revolutionize early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Miriam Boutros, a Master’s student at École de Technologie Supérieure, presented the study titled “Towards the Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease through Eye Movement Changes Using a Hearable” on November 19, 2024, during the virtual 187th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America.
How the Ears Reveal Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer’s disease often impairs motor control, including eye movement, leading to shorter and less accurate saccades—rapid eye movements that occur as the eyes shift focus. These movements generate subtle vibrations in the eardrum, which can be captured by sensitive in-ear microphones.
“These hearables, small devices placed within the ear canal, can detect vibrations caused by saccades, along with other biosignals like heartbeat and breathing,” explained Boutros. “We aim to develop algorithms that link these signals to neurological disorders, creating a noninvasive tool for early detection.”
The research involves experiments where participants with Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment wear both in-ear microphones and traditional eye trackers. The team will compare data to establish correlations between eardrum oscillations and eye movement characteristics.
Potential for Parkinson’s Detection
As reported by medicalnewstoday, the team is also extending their research to Parkinson’s disease. According to Boutros, these devices could track biosignals such as swallowing and breathing, which are often affected by Parkinson’s. “We’re working on a proof of concept to differentiate biosignals and enable early diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions,” she said.
Expert Insights and Challenges
While promising, the technology faces hurdles. Dr. Alexander Solomon, a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, noted potential issues with data accuracy due to variables like signal interference and alternative diagnoses.
“Inferring eye movement from eardrum oscillations is less direct than clinical eye trackers. However, wearable devices offer the advantage of unobtrusive data collection,” Solomon said.
He emphasized the importance of early detection. “As treatments improve, catching Alzheimer’s early will be critical to preventing irreversible cognitive decline. Wearable devices could provide valuable screening tools in everyday settings.”
The Road Ahead
Although the research is in its early stages and yet to be published in peer-reviewed journals, its long-term goal is to create a personalized, noninvasive device that continuously monitors for signs of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diseases.
By combining accessibility with advanced signal analysis, these “hearables” could transform how neurodegenerative diseases are detected, offering hope for earlier intervention and better outcomes.