Most of us have likely used headphones, so far, mostly as entertainment accessories. These devices are now set for a digital health upgrade as companies are designing headphones as hearing aids and health tracking devices.
Tech Giant Apple's Role in Health Upgrade
Tech Giant Apple popularised the approach with a free update to the AirPods Pro 2 that makes it function as a clinical-grade hearing aid. The FDA even approved the Apple AirPods Pro’s Hearing Aid Feature as the first over-the-counter hearing aid software device in 2024. Other companies are also investigating this approach and headphones could be on track to become the next smartwatch, or a so-called hearable.
Anatomy Makes Headphones Ideal Health Tools
When thinking about headphones, their use as health devices is not what initially comes to mind. But given more thought, they are actually quite well suited for such purposes. The anatomy of the auditory canal makes it a well-suited location for health sensing with in-ear headphones like the AirPods. It is located close to the brain, major blood vessels, and nerves, which enables physiological measurements to be made.
Health Monitoring Features of Headphones
Its blood supply by the deep ear artery means that heart rate and blood pressure can be measured; and hearables have been used for such measurements. In medical practice, it is common to obtain the core body temperature by measuring it in the ear. Headphones could take such readings while also monitoring the user’s movements, breathing rate and sleep.
Adapting Headphones for Health and Medical Purposes
There are several ways that companies are adapting headphones for healthcare uses. While this approach is relatively new, we can group the current examples into three general categories.
General Health Tracking
As a consumer product, headphones can be easily used for general health tracking akin to smartwatches. In some cases, such as during exercise, headphones can even provide more accurate measurements than smartwatches. Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport earbuds leverage this upside and double as a fitness tracker with heart rate and temperature monitoring.
Increasing Accessibility
Other companies are developing headphones to assist people in other ways as well. The NAQI Neural earbuds can allow users to control devices by registering movements of the head and facial muscles. This can greatly improve the daily interactions of people with limited mobility.
Medical Tools
Headphones are also being used by medical professionals to assist them in their practices. Researchers have used noise-cancelling headphones to reduce patients’ stress level during surgeries.
The Future of Health Tracking in Headphones
This recent trend in adapting headphones as health and medical devices is surely worth keeping an eye on. The ubiquity of headphones in our society makes them promising contenders as digital health tools.
As Sam Kellett, Jr, CEO of Aware, told us in an interview: “This technology democratises access to crucial health data, enabling continuous monitoring without specialised equipment or hospital stays, thereby enhancing our understanding of neurological health and improving disease management.”
For instance, despite over 30 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, only about 15% use hearing aids, with accessibility and affordability being a major barrier. Headphones could close that gap, while also doubling as regular health monitoring tools.
However, headphones might not be the preferred form factor for a health tracker by some. Depending on the size, they can be bulky and uncomfortable or easy to misplace. But the advantages that such devices present should not be overlooked. We can expect a future where headphones commonly integrate health features and they will be available in the market parallel to smartwatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is based around the assumption that all diseases are caused and exacerbated by a combination many factors. These include diet, lifestyles, stress levels, emotional state, genetics, environmental problems, stress, stress, and other health-related concerns.
A well-rounded approach to treating patients includes considering these variables when prescribing medication.
To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.
Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
Alternative medicine is important.
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they're cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternate medicines can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know enough to choose the best ones. Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin pills, are not controlled like pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is possible to overdose. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they don't fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Treatment methods that integrate mind, body, and spirit
- Use of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. In addition, this kind of therapy helps patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- We lack scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- Complementary treatments require more research.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren't only for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person's life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. For example:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. As a result, you feel tired, weak, and sick.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These feelings create stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
Title: Your Earphones And Headphones As Health And Medical Devices
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/headphones-as-health-and-medical-devices
Published Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:14:57 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is based around the assumption that all diseases are caused and exacerbated by a combination many factors. These include diet, lifestyles, stress levels, emotional state, genetics, environmental problems, stress, stress, and other health-related concerns.
A well-rounded approach to treating patients includes considering these variables when prescribing medication.
To fully grasp the effect of each factor on a patient, a physician must have a good understanding of both modern science as well traditional methods such a homeopathy or herbs.
Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
Alternative medicine is important.
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they're cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternate medicines can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know enough to choose the best ones. Vitamin supplements, such as vitamin pills, are not controlled like pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is possible to overdose. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they don't fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Treatment methods that integrate mind, body, and spirit
- Use of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor's Book of Mind Cure. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. In addition, this kind of therapy helps patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies do show that these therapies can be used to reduce chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- We lack scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured into following the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with surgery or medication.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- Holistic treatments are becoming popular among older adults.
- Complementary treatments require more research.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren't only for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- Holistic treatments are helpful for specific conditions.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person's life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. For example:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. As a result, you feel tired, weak, and sick.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These feelings create stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
