Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are methods of monitoring individuals that include securing a photoplethysmography probe to at least one of a pre-auricular region and a post-auricular region of the individual and obtaining photoplethysmography signals from the photoplethysmography probe. Photoplethysmography probes and helmets related to such methods are also described herein.

A system includes at least one earpiece, wherein each earpiece comprises an earpiece housing, an optical source operatively connected to the earpiece housing, wherein the optical source is configured to emit light toward an ear surface, an optical sensor operatively connected to the earpiece housing, wherein the optical sensor is configured to receive reflected light from the ear surface, and at least one processor disposed within at least one earpiece and operatively connected to the optical source and the optical sensor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to separate the pulse oximetry signals from the audio signals in the reflected light detected by the optical sensor.

A system, method and wireless earpieces for populating an electronic medical record utilizing wireless earpieces. The sensor measurements are analyzed. The sensor measurements are associated with the electronic medical record of the user. The electronic medical record of the user is populated with the sensor measurements. Communications including the electronic medical record are communicated.

Ear buds are provided that communicate wirelessly with an electronic device. To determine the current status of the ear buds and thereby take suitable action in controlling the operation of the electronic device and ear buds, the ear buds may be provided with sensor circuitry. The sensor circuitry may include proximity sensors. The ear buds may each have a housing with a main body portion that is configured to be inserted into the ear of the user and an elongated stem portion that extends from the main body portion. The proximity sensors may include sensors on the main body and sensors on the stem. The proximity sensors may be light-based sensors that emit light that passes through the housing.

Disclosure is a hearing threshold and/or hearing state detection system and method. The system comprises: an acquisition and transmission system configured to transmit stimulation signals and acquire an ear canal signal; and a hearing threshold analysis and prediction system including a hearing threshold detection module, a routine testing module and/or a hearing state screening module, wherein the hearing threshold detection module determines hearing thresholds at different stimulation frequencies through a pre-trained network model; the routine testing module adaptively selects a range of test intensities through the acquisition and transmission system, and predicts hearing thresholds related to different stimulation frequencies through a pre-trained network model; and the screening module is configured to perform hearing state screening through the acquisition and transmission system and a pre-trained network model. A detection result thereof is not only accurate, but also is applicable to various demand scenarios.

An instrument configured to test the middle-ear function of a test subject, such as in tympanometry and impedance audiometry is provided. The instrument comprises an ear probe for insertion in an ear of test subject, the ear probe comprises an acoustic output unit comprising a receiver, the acoustic output unit being configured to provide a stimulus into the ear of the test subject via said receiver, an acoustic input unit comprising a microphone, the acoustic input unit being configured to receive a reflected part of said stimulus via said microphone and provide an electrical input signal, an ear-probe body for accommodating said microphone and said receiver, and an ear-probe tip comprising a tip opening for outputting said stimulus and receiving said reflected part of the stimulus, wherein the ear-probe tip comprises a sound tube with a longitudinal axis (A), where said sound tube provides access between a receiver opening and a microphone opening, respectively, and said tip opening, which receiver opening and microphone opening are arranged at a distance (L) from said tip opening along said longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the instrument is configured to provide said stimulus comprising one or more frequencies above 226 Hz into the ear of the test subject via said receiver.

A sensor on an earpiece is used to attempt to detect a signal corresponding to a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, it can be determined that the earpiece is being worn by a user. The sensor may be an acoustic transducer on a surface of the earpiece that is located within the wearer's ear canal, while the earpiece is being worn normally.

A processing system obtain signals that are generated by or generated based on sensors that are included in one or more hearing instruments. Additionally, the processing system determine, based on the signals, whether a posture of a user of the hearing instruments is a target posture. The processing system generate information based on the posture of the user.

Systems and methods for monitoring food intake include an air pressure sensor for detecting ear canal deformation, according to some implementations. For example, the air pressure sensor detects a change in air pressure in the ear canal resulting from mandible movement. Other implementations include systems and methods for monitoring food intake that include a temporalis muscle activity sensor for detecting temporalis muscle activity, wherein at least a portion of the temporalis muscle activity sensor is coupled adjacent a temple portion of eyeglasses and disposed between the temple tip and the frame end piece. The temporalis muscle activity sensor may include an accelerometer, for example, for detecting movement of the temple portion due to mandibular movement from chewing.

An assembly of at least one radiation detector, at least one radiation emitter and a housing configured to be positioned inside the ear canal of a person or animal, the detector(s) and emitter(s) being provided in or on the housing, the emitter(s) being configured to emit radiation away from the housing and the detector(s) being configured to receive radiation directed toward the housing. No overlap may be provided between the field of view of the radiation detector(s) and the emitter(s), such as by providing a blocking element.