Scientists have developed earbuds that can detect irregular heartbeats by reading the electrical activity of the heart.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a device that can be worn in the ear and take ECG readings throughout the day.
Research has shown that the device's performance is similar to that of a traditional ECG. In a traditional ECG, two electrodes are placed on the chest to take readings.
But the earbud's weaker heart signal detection than the chest makes it worth wearing for hours. This facility can help people diagnose the condition quickly without going to the doctor.
Heart rhythm problems (including irregular heartbeats), if left untreated, can increase the risk of serious health problems such as stroke or heart attack.
The inventors of the hearable device are optimistic that it will be on the market for people within two years. However, the prices of available devices are up to 400 pounds.
The researchers tested these earbuds on 10 people and compared the results with traditional ECG results. These earbuds provided high- and low-wave readings, similar to a traditional ECG, that are needed to indicate a fast or slow heart rate.
However, the amplitude and depth of the waves in the readings were not the same as those of a conventional ECG, making the readings less accurate. However, researchers are working on making the device more sensitive.