HEARAZ

HEARAZ: Hearable-centered assistance: from sensor to participation 

The DFG-funded research training group HEARAZ is dedicated to inter- and transdisciplinary education and research in the field of ear-related sensor technology. The aim is to comprehensively research the use of biosensors to detect and compensate for age-associated functional limitations and to develop innovative technical assistance systems. 
Close cooperation between basic research, medical technology, healthcare research and clinical practice will create the basis for the development of mobile ear-related health centers. Ethical and social aspects are also investigated and taken into account in order to enable successful integration into society. The aim is to develop multifunctional assistance systems for diagnostics, therapy and support in everyday life in order to improve the participation opportunities of people with sensory, cognitive or motor impairments. 

Ongoing projects at the CSL: 

- Talk to me - the hearing aid as an analysis tool: assessment of cognitive resources through incidental speech analysis 

The project investigates how hearables can be used as analysis tools to detect cognitive changes in older people based on their verbal communication. By collecting data in various situations, both long-term cognitive decline processes and short-term changes are to be identified in order to better understand and promote cognitive health. 

PI: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tanja Schultz (CSL), Prof. Dr. med. Tania Zieschang (Geriatrics, University Hospital Oldenburg) Contact person: Mira Richts 

- Detection of dysphagia and aspiration using hearing aid sensors

The project aims to develop automatic detection of Dysphagia in older people using machine learning and sensor technology close to the ear in order to identify health risks at an early stage. The patient data is collected using different sensors like microphone and EMG (electromyography) and further classified into Dysphagia or non-dysphagia

PI: Prof. Dr. med. Andreas Radeloff (Otorhinolaryngology, Oldenburg University Hospital), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tanja Schultz (CSL) Contact: Aditya Mehra 

More information at: 
https://www.hearaz.de/