Turning Headphones Into Health Devices Becomes a Major 2024 Trend (2024)

The next generation of headphones could be as essential for health as they are for music.

The biggest change in headphones this year isn’t about sound quality; it’s about your health.

One by one, major audio brands are loading their latest models with health monitoring features.

These new functions go beyond simple fitness tracking. Headphones are now offering hearing aids, heart monitoring, and even brain activity tracking, giving us an idea of the future of our everyday devices.

The Best Health Features in Headphones This Year

Health monitoring features are showing up in more headphones these days. Here are some of what’s available now and how these features actually work in real life.

• AirPods Pro 2’s hearing aid feature
• Sennheiser Momentum Sport’s health monitoring feature
• NAQI Neural Earbuds’ accessibility feature
• Neurable MW75-Neuro’s brain-tracking feature

AirPods Pro 2’s hearing aid feature

The AirPods Pro 2 now include an FDA-approved hearing aid feature that works through a basic software update. With this, users can now take a hearing test on their iPhone, which then adjusts the AirPods to amplify sound for mild hearing loss.

This could make a difference for many of the 30 million Americans with hearing loss, especially those who avoid traditional hearing aids due to stigma, cost, or comfort issues.

Given AirPods’ popularity, this feature could make hearing aids more acceptable for many.

However, it’s worth noting that AirPods’ battery life may limit all-day use compared to standard hearing aids.

Sennheiser Momentum Sport’s health monitoring feature

Sensors in the ear canal allow more accurate measurements during intense exercise than those on the wrist. So, Sennheiser took advantage of this and added heart rate and body temperature sensors to its new Momentum Sport earbuds.

These earbuds can track heart rates within 30 to 220 beats per minute and temperature within +/-0.3 degrees Celsius.

Not only that, but they sync directly with apps like Apple Health, Garmin Connect, Strava, and more. And, they’re also compatible with devices like the Apple Watch and Polar Vantage.

The result? Ear-based biometrics become usable fitness data.

That makes the Momentum Sport stand out, especially for professional athletes. The only potential downside is the high cost.

NAQI Neural Earbuds’ accessibility feature

NAQI Neural Earbuds help people with limited mobility control devices through small head and facial movements.

For example, users can type up to 45 characters per minute using subtle gestures like blinks or jaw movements. Thanks to this, people with paralysis to manage daily tasks like sending emails or navigating the web independently.

Aside from accessibility, the subtle controls could be helpful in security or emergency situations as they can communicate almost invisibly.

Neurable MW75-Neuro’s brain-tracking feature

Boston-based Neurable has introduced the MW75 Neuro headphones, which use EEG technology to measure brainwave activity.

It’s not about actually reading your mind though. Instead, the headphones allow users to track their mental focus throughout the day.

The MW75 Neuro capture brain signals that track concentration and relaxation via EEG sensors. Then, the paired app helps users interpret the data and assess their focus levels so they can plan their day better.

This feature could help people balance focus and prevent burnout.

Since brain tracking continues to develop, keeping user data safe will be essential. With this in mind, Neurable protects user privacy by anonymizing and encrypting all data.

Upcoming Health Features to Look Forward to

Aside from those we can already enjoy today, several companies and research teams are working on even more health features for headphones.

Here’s what’s in development, though keep in mind these are still works in progress.

• AirPods Max’s heart monitoring feature
• UC Berkeley’s drowsiness detection system
• Google’s AI HeAR diagnostics feature

AirPods Max’s heart monitoring feature

Two recent patents show that Apple is working on heart monitoring for AirPods Max. One design uses their built-in microphones, while another relies on ultrasonic waves to detect heart activity.

By measuring tiny echoes within the ear, these headphones could track heart rhythms and send alerts for irregularities.

That said, Apple has been known to file multiple patents with no guarantee on when or if they’ll see the light of day. There’s no set announcement yet on whether we will see this on the next AirPods Max.

UC Berkeley’s drowsiness detection system

UC Berkeley has developed earbuds that detect drowsiness by tracking alpha waves, which appear when the brain starts relaxing. These earbuds could alert drivers and heavy equipment operators when they become dangerously tired.

This is still in development. Yet, early tests reveal that the current prototype already has a 93% accuracy rate.

Google’s AI HeAR diagnostics feature

Google’s HeAR system aims to detect health issues like tuberculosis by analyzing sounds, including coughs, through regular devices. Microphones and headphones included.

The system uses AI trained on 300 million audio samples, including about 100 million cough recordings, to spot signs of illness. By using common devices for health screening, this approach could make basic health checks more available to people worldwide.

The model is already being put to good use. In India, for instance, Salcit Technologies is using Google’s HeAR model to improve its Swaasa tool, which checks lung health by analyzing coughs.

Google is also working with the Stop TB Partnership to help screen people in areas with limited healthcare access.

Why Headphones Are Ideal for Health Monitoring

The ear’s anatomy makes it a great site for health monitoring for various reasons.

First, its proximity to the deep ear artery allows for accurate tracking of pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.

Next, unlike smartwatches that slide around your wrist or rings that might spin, headphones tend to stay put. This steady position means more reliable health data.

Plus, headphones already pack the basic tech needed for health tracking. Their speakers and microphones can pull double-duty without cramming in extra hardware.

But the real beauty of this approach? We’re already using headphones every day.

There’s no need to remember to wear an extra device or change our habits. For many of us, putting on headphones is as natural as grabbing our phone or keys.

This makes sense from all angles. Companies can build on technology they’ve already mastered, while users get more from a device they’d buy anyway.

It’s a practical way to make health tracking more accessible.

Overall, this trend reflects a broader healthcare shift toward preventive monitoring. It gives people control over their health data while creating new possibilities for headphone technology.

It will be exciting to see what happens next.