A Portable In-Ear Pulse Wave Measurement System

TL;DR

This paper introduces a portable, battery-powered in-ear measurement system capable of capturing pulse wave data, ECG, PPG, ear pressure, temperature, and motion, enabling comprehensive cardiovascular monitoring in a compact form.

Contribution

The work presents a novel in-ear pulse wave measurement device that integrates multiple sensors and wireless data transmission, expanding capabilities beyond traditional extremity-based measurements.

Findings

First measurements demonstrate system functionality and data quality.

Device operates continuously for up to 8 hours on battery.

Potential for improved cardiovascular diagnostics using in-ear measurements.

Abstract

The measurement of the pulse wave has proven to be a vital tool in medical diagnosis. Whereby most pulse wave measurements are carried out at extremities, this work proposes a system for measuring the pulse wave and the Pulse Arrival Time (PAT) in the interior of the ear. The developed measurement device is based on a battery powered microcontroller system. The measurement device simultaneously acquires an Einthoven Lead II Electrocardiogram (ECG), a dual wavelength Photoplethysmogram (PPG), the pressure in both ears, the temperature inside the ear canal, as well as the subject's motion. The acquired measurement data can either be saved on a micro SD-card or can be transmitted wireless via Bluetooth or wired via USB to a host PC for further analysis. Battery powered the device can operate up to 8 hours. In addition to the system description, first measurements carried out with the system will be presented.