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  • Writer's pictureEarSwitch

The need for better assistive technology and what we’re doing

Updated: Feb 22, 2023



WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY?


Assistive technology can enhance the independence of people with disabilities and therefore their health and wellbeing.


Assistive technology is a product – or system – which helps people with disabilities or other impairments to do things they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. These products, by assisting with day-to-day activities, have the power to improve people’s quality of life.


THE LARGEST MINORITY GROUP


The World Health Organization estimates there are currently more than one billion people with disabilities, making up around 15% of the world’s population. It estimates that by 2030 more than two billion people will need at least one assistive product. Yet today, only one in ten individuals in this group have access to these.


In the UK, the disability charity, Scope, says there are over fourteen million disabled people, with a fifth of working age adults having a disability. Yet this group’s needs – and the opportunity for the diversification of assistive products – are often overlooked.


By not catering to this demand, businesses are not only missing out on a purchasing power worth an estimated £274 billion, but they are (maybe unintentionally) contributing to the exclusion of disabled communities.


THE POSSIBILITIES OF EAR-AUGMENTED INTERACTION


EarSwitch™ was founded by Dr Nick Gompertz, a UK GP, who wanted to help people with motor neurone disease, ALS and cerebral palsy communicate more effectively. Nick realised the ear was an untapped method of communication as well as a biometric treasure trove to transmit critical health data. The use of this technology could transform the lives of people with disabilities, and clinical outcomes too.


This could be the key to unlocking greater and more immersive assistive technology for those who really need it.


USE CASES OF PROPRIETARY EARSWITCH™ TECHNOLOGY


EarControl™


Conceived to devise a better way for people with neurological conditions to interact with the world, EarControl™ empowers the user to take charge of how they live their lives.


EarControl™ is reshaping human to environment interaction: for the first time evolving the ear from an input device to an output device. Intuitively and silently controlled by a tiny muscle in the ear, users can activate computer programmes or move a mouse. EarControl™ is the opportunity to embrace a radical new way of communicating.


Read more here.


EarSight™


Through intuitive, in-ear control, gamers with disabilities can move beyond the restrictions of hand-held devices to experience the ultimate gaming performance with EarSight™.


People with disabilities are twice as likely to be socially isolated than their non-disabled peers, and many individuals turn to gaming as an opportunity to find like-minded friends or connect with a community.


According to the Scope survey, 57% of people with an impairment or condition used hardware solutions for gaming, yet 66% of disabled gamers said they still face barriers. And, they said, the biggest obstacle was access to suitable assistive technology.


Read more here.


EarMetrics™


Advanced biometric monitoring using our EarMetrics™ sensor technology enables the in-ear device to work even harder. Users can take charge of health and fitness by monitoring oxygen levels and pulse from one product in their ear, whether that’s a hearing aid, earphone or other device.


Data could be sent directly to a health monitoring app, private medical practice or insurer. Chronic conditions could be monitored at home or in a clinical setting from one in-ear device. Personal data stores could pre-empt health issues and bring new insight to existing conditions.


Read more here.


LEAD THE INDUSTRY WITH THIS UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY


We’re keen to work with companies with a similar vision of making a difference in the health tech space.


Want to be among the first to use this unique Headphones 3.0 technology in leading in-ear advancements?


Get in touch today to find out how you could licence EarSwitch™ technology for your product.




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