Low-Cost mHealth Technology for Objectively Assessing Hearing Loss at Home

Investigators:
Wenyao Xu, Auspex Medix
Wei Sun, University at Buffalo

MassAITC Cohort: Year 5 (AD/ADRD)

Initial Proposal Abstract: Hearing loss affects nearly half of adults over the age of 75 and is closely linked to memory loss and dementia. Many older adults never receive a proper hearing test because current methods require active listening and clear responses, which can be difficult for people with memory or attention problems. As a result, hearing loss often goes undetected until it begins to seriously affect daily life.

AudioSight, developed by Auspex Medix and University at Buffalo, is a new, easy-to-use smartphone tool that helps detect hearing loss using a small camera attachment and artificial intelligence (AI). Instead of asking users to respond to sounds, AudioSight measures tiny, natural changes in the eyes – called the Auditory Pupillary Response (APR) – that happen automatically when a person hears a sound. This allows hearing to be tested passively and comfortably at home or in a clinic without needing any special equipment or training.

In this pilot study, the research team will test AudioSight with older adults, including those with early memory changes or dementia. The study will collect eye response data during sound tests, compare results to standard hearing exams, and gather feedback from users and caregivers about how easy the system is to use. The goal is to make hearing screening simpler, faster, and more accessible for everyone, helping doctors and families catch hearing problems early and improve quality of life for older adults.

Outcomes: