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Considered one of the basic medical indicators of health, core body temperature can indicate infection, or other conditions such as insomnia, fatigue, metabolic function and depression. Current wearable sensors are able to monitor skin temperatures, but this can be affected by the temperature of the external environment, while typical devices used to measure core temperature – such as oral thermometers – are not convenient for continuous use.

The ear-worn wireless, wearable sensor is designed to be a convenient device to monitor core body temperature in real time on a continuous basis, regardless of the environment and activity of the user. Integrating a processor, Bluetooth wireless module, and an infrared sensor, the device tracks ear drum – and thus core – temperature.

Using 3D printing to fabricate the disk-shaped device enables it to be customized to fit a person’s ear comfortably, and once in place it covers the ear. In order to not block hearing, the device has an embedded microphone that transmits external sounds to the inner ear similar to a bone conduction hearing aid.

During operation the sensor transmits temperature data to a smartphone app. According to the researchers, the sensor’s measurements closely matched those of a commercial ear thermometer.

This smart device, say the researchers, provides an important advance in realizing personalized health care. In the future, they expect the system size can be further reduced. In addition, sensors for measuring other vital signals such as heart rate, pule oximetry, and EEG may also be integrated into the device platform.

For more, see “3D Printed “Earable” Smart Devices for Real-Time Detection of Core Body Temperature.”

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