An innovative cough detector uses acoustic respiratory monitoring (ARM) to detect wheezes, rhonchi, and coughs, aiding the diagnosis of respiratory conditions.
The Wheezometer device is an ultrasound-based cough detector using ARM technology that fits against a patient’s neck, automatically detecting coughs and counts coughing events by detecting both high and low frequency mechanical vibrations in the tracheal area, and then tracking their severity and duration. The device then stores that data or sends it wirelessly to a computer or other logging device. Just 30 seconds of breath sounds are sufficient to use the advanced signal processing algorithms to detect, quantify, and objectively document the presence of wheeze and its extent.
The device is based on ergonomic interface principles as dictated by functional and anatomical requirements, and uses a cascade of six proprietary technologies to protect the signals against false detection of ambient noises as wheeze. By facilitating correct anatomical placement and contact force of the device with the trachea, the WheezoMeter also provides stable contact with the skin surface for the duration of the test, isolating the sensor from vibrations and tremor of the hand holding the device. An optional infant sensor is used for babies and toddlers who typically have a short neck. The Wheezometer device is a product of iSonea (Millersville, MD, USA).
“Combining the company’s active and passive acoustic technologies and expertise, the technology provides a meaningful way to quantify this important symptom, which will aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases and respiratory conditions,” said Michael Thomas, CEO of iSonea.
Cough is an important symptom used in many assessment standards for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), among others.
