Next Generation Cognition-Aware Hearing Aid Devices With Microwave Sensors: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The strong association between hearing loss and cognitive decline has developed into a major health challenge that calls for early detection, diagnosis and prevention. Hearing loss usually results in severe health implications that include loss of mobility, communication problems and cognitive decline. This study provides an overview of the effects of hearing loss on cognition and progressive neurological disorders with a discussion on the future scope of microwave portable technologies in care homes arrangement. Moreover, the efficacy of hearing aids in reversing cognitive decline and dementia has been investigated. The interconnection between hearing loss, cognitive load and neurodegeneration is also explored. Furthermore, this study looks into the prospects of using portable microwave sensors for the detection and monitoring of cognitive load. For early detection of dementia, this study proposes the integration of microwave sensors with hearing aid devices. Implications and design challenges of portable antenna systems for neurodegeneration detection have also been considered. Future improvement areas regarding robust analysis and diagnosis, system accuracy and security, user-centricity and device privacy for a broader clinical implementation are also discussed.

Keywords

• Age-related hearing loss
• cognitive load
• dementia
• mild cognitive impairment
• microwave sensors
• neurodegeneration