{"id":12735,"date":"2024-02-26T15:37:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T23:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/?p=12735"},"modified":"2024-04-09T08:23:37","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T15:23:37","slug":"healthcare-technology-upcoming-innovations-from-the-consumer-electronics-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/healthcare-technology-upcoming-innovations-from-the-consumer-electronics-show\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthcare Technology: Upcoming Innovations from the Consumer Electronics Show"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>The Consumer Electronic Show (CES) is the biggest tech event in the world. It\u2019s the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and a showcase for innovators worldwide. Fuel Medical\u2019s Stuart Lyon, Director of Brand Development, and Dan Quall, Director of Strategic Initiatives, have gone to CES for the past seven years to get a sense of how healthcare technology is changing. If you couldn\u2019t attend CES, have no fear. Stuart and Dan sat down to discuss what\u2019s here and what\u2019s to come. This Ask Fuel First section revolves around that conversation and answers the following question: <strong>What emerging technology trends may impact healthcare and, more specifically, the audiology industry?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Ask Fuel First: Hearing Healthcare Innovations at CES\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/918071938?app_id=122963\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the few things you can get almost everyone to agree on is that change is the only constant. That seems especially true when you look at healthcare technology. For those of us in the hearing health business, that change often takes the form of new hearing devices with advanced technology. By keeping tabs on changing technology and other innovations that disrupt the audiology industry, we can stay flexible with the immediate changes that affect our business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stuart and Dan\u2019s adventure with CES began in 2017, so they\u2019ve seen how technology has changed over the last seven years. They looked at products aligned with the audiology industry and then considered products that may have an impact on healthcare overall. Here are some of their highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Audiology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Evolution of Shokz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One company that has grown immensely over the years has been Shokz. Years ago, Shokz had a minimal presence at CES, with a small booth in the back being manned by a few people, but this year, they took up premium real estate and had an army of representatives ready to showcase their products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, their bone-conduction headphones have evolved. Initially, the open-ear device developed for active people sounded a bit tinny, but now the sound quality has greatly improved. This is one example of how non-prescribed hearing devices can improve people\u2019s lives. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/shokz.com\/products\/openrun?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlcyuBhBnEiwAOGZ2S8XhuVLWMqXWa6hcH9b4E5rqPcbIo6Zq_az-dAHYmniRrTRKg4mioBoC5dMQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shokz\u2019s<\/a> website for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1114\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shokz1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shokz1.jpg 1114w, https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shokz1-768x445.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1114px) 100vw, 1114px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An Increase in OTCs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, there was a plethora of OTC (over-the-counter) devices at CES. The increase in representation of OTC devices is a result of the FDA\u2019s approval of OTCs as a category since October 2022, but the large number of products could also have been a result of companies bouncing back after the pandemic. Either way, it was evident that 2024 is going to be a year of increasing players entering the OTC market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AI: The Buzz of CES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There was also a lot of talk about AI at CES this year, with some real applications in the audio space. For example, AI has been instrumental in detecting the difference between speech and noise in real-time, improving hearing aid clarity. Although AI is already being used in many products today, there is also great potential within the ecosystem of AI in developing components for devices in the future, such as in DSP (digital signal processing) and sophisticated chips. Instead of having a chip for processing digital signals and another chip for audibility, we\u2019re now seeing a convergence of the two. This type of chip has total digital signal processing, which results in better sound quality and the ability to enhance speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some companies that are using AI in their products include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/avatronix.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Avatronix<\/a> is using speech enhancement capabilities. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cadence.com\/en_US\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cadence<\/a> is working with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.renesas.com\/us\/en?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlcyuBhBnEiwAOGZ2S4m-OE07sAl9pySsWdXXfzMkee6THnrF5bd84jb5M0plgr9D9lABXhoC2tIQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Renasas<\/a>, a semiconductor manufacturer, to develop chips with advanced audio DSP and neural networking by leveraging LLMs (large language models). <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteaudiolabs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Absolute Audio Lab\u2019s <\/a>also has an agreement with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.renesas.com\/us\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Renesas<\/a> to create high-quality chips with a speech enhancement system that also gives an all-day battery life. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"397\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/absoluteaudiolab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12739\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.knowles.com\/applications\/ear-solutions\/premium-sound\/the-knowles-difference\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Knowles<\/a> has developed a micro balances armature driver, which has a broader band system that is preferred for listening to music. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/whispp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Whispp<\/a> has an app that uses AI to recreate a person\u2019s voice but at an increased volume for those unable to speak at normal levels. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluetooth.com\/auracast\/assistive-listening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Auracast<\/a> is using Bluetooth\u00ae to increase the availability of traditional assistive listening systems (ALSs) in a variety of situations. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/about.fb.com\/news\/2023\/09\/new-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses\/#:~:text=In%20partnership%20with%20EssilorLuxottica%2C%20we,re%20lighter%20and%20more%20comfortable.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EssilorLuxottica\u2019s Nuance Audio <\/a>has developed smart glasses with open-ear speakers to enhance audio quality, among other features.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"669\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ray-ban-luxxotica.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12741\" style=\"width:669px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Audiology made up a large section of CES, giving Stuart and Dan a glimpse of products that are ready for those with hearing loss to use, but also some that show promise for future products. CES also featured an extensive digital health presence with several products that could change healthcare in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the technology mentioned so far was within the audiology industry\u2019s sphere, CES had thousands of products for many different applications. Within the healthcare products segment, there were numerous products that couldn\u2019t be ignored for their potential impact on patient care and making the delivery of healthcare more efficient. Here are some of those products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BeamO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The pandemic highlighted the need for improved telehealth. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.withings.com\/us\/en\/beam-o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BeamO<\/a> was designed so a patient can monitor important metrics about their health and can facilitate a higher quality telehealth appointment by transmitting health information, such as blood oxygen level, temperature and ECG, in real-time. This allows the doctor to provide better diagnoses even though the appointment is virtual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"770\" src=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/beamo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12742\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevent Impact Mouth Guard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An innovative device designed to monitor concussions in real time, <a href=\"https:\/\/preventbiometrics.com\/prevent-how-it-works\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prevent Smart Mouthguard<\/a> has a practical application in sports at all levels. If a player gets hit on any area of their head, it immediately registers with the device and sends the data to a dashboard to see if the player needs to be removed from the game to seek treatment. Teams can also collect and analyze the data to proactively encourage safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"542\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/prevent.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12744\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GyroGlove\u2122<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hand tremors are major barriers to self-care as people with this condition have trouble eating and drinking by themselves, writing or simply picking up things. The <a href=\"https:\/\/gyrogear.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GyroGlove\u2122<\/a> [add link to text] is an innovative device that promotes stability for people with this condition. A gyroscope on the back of the glove is tuned into the vibrations to counteract them and allow the person to function normally even though they are having a tremor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"636\" height=\"368\" src=\"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/gyrogear.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12743\" style=\"width:636px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2018imass\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first part of cataract surgery, an incision must be made on the eye\u2019s lens. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiinc.co.kr\/eng\/product\/product.php?ptype=view&amp;prdcode=2201270001&amp;page=1&amp;catcode=11100000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u2018imass,\u2019<\/a> a revolutionary new instrument, aids doctors\u2019 precision when making that first incision during cataract surgery. By using this tool, doctors have increased accuracy and speed when performing anterior capsulotomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ENT Dr. Robot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting patients the care they need in areas where there are few medical professionals can be challenging. ENT Dr. Robot is a concept device ultimately aimed at improving healthcare through remote medical assistance. A practice could set up a room in a remote office with this technology, have an assistant prep the patient and then connect with the doctor via the technology. The doctor could then use any one of the optional devices to perform examinations or even some procedures while being physically apart from the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Drop in the Bucket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With over 2.5 million square feet of exhibits and more than 4,300 exhibitors, the technology highlighted in this article is just a drop in the bucket. Stuart and Dan searched for technology that might impact healthcare in general and audiology more specifically, and they weren\u2019t disappointed. Some devices have now integrated AI-direct applications in ENT and audiology practices today, including sophisticated chips embedded in hearing aids. Other assistive listening devices, such as Shokz and Nuance Audio\u2019s hearing glasses, might be the topic of conversations with patients who don\u2019t have significant hearing loss but have trouble in noisy environments. You should also pay attention to devices that may alter the way healthcare is administered, such as BeamO and even ENT Dr. Robot if it is produced, which may be relevant to your practice in the future. If you\u2019d like more information about CES or the products listed above, feel free to email Stuart at <a href=\"mailto:slyon@fuelmedical.som\">slyon@fuelmedical.com<\/a> and Dan at <a href=\"mailto:dquall@fuelmedical.com\">dquall@fuelmedical.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Consumer Electronic Show (CES) is the biggest tech event in the world. It\u2019s the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and a showcase for innovators worldwide. Fuel Medical\u2019s Stuart Lyon, Director of Brand Development, and Dan Quall, Director of Strategic Initiatives, have gone to CES for the past seven years to get a sense of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12856,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","header_content":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","credentials":"","position":"","tenure":"","department":"","location":"","apply_url":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"article_type":[12],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12735"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12735"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12735\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12858,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12735\/revisions\/12858"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12856"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12735"},{"taxonomy":"article_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fuelmedical.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_type?post=12735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}