Measuring Heart Rate with Noise-Cancelling Headphones (ANC) : A New Breakthrough in Health Technology

Noise-cancelling headphones have been around for a while, but did you know that they can also be used to measure your heart rate? 

Google scientists have recently developed a new technology called audioplethysmography (APG) that uses ultrasound to measure heart rate. This technology can be used with any ANC earbuds, including noise-cancelling headphones.

 The APG technology works by sending a low-intensity ultrasound probing signal through the ANC headphone’s speakers. The signal triggers echoes, which are received via on-board feedback microphones. The tiny ear canal skin displacement and heartbeat vibrations modulate these ultrasound echoes. The final APG waveform looks strikingly similar to a photoplethysmograms (PPG) waveform, but provides an improved view of cardiac activities with more pronounced dicrotic notches (pressure waveforms that provide rich insights about the central artery system, such as blood pressure).

 This new technology is expected to revolutionize the way we monitor our heart rates. It is non-invasive and can be used with any ANC earbuds, making it accessible to everyone. The title of this article could be “Measuring Heart Rate with Noise-Cancelling Headphones: A New Breakthrough in Health Technology”. This title captures the essence of the new technology and highlights its potential impact on health monitoring.

 In conclusion, noise-cancelling headphones are no longer just for blocking out external noise. They can now be used to monitor your heart rate using APG technology. This new breakthrough in health technology is expected to revolutionize the way we monitor our heart rates and provide a more accessible and non-invasive way of doing so.