A Guide to MindMics: Earbud Heart Health Monitors

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April 10, 2023 ryan-molloy Author: Ryan Molloy | April 10, 2023
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MindMics

MindMics: What You Need to Know

  • MindMics earbuds use sound to capture heart rate and other biorhythm markers.
  • Unlike PPG light technology, which many other wearables use to detect heart rhythms, MindMics’ sound-based technology works on all skin tones.
  • Through a proprietary data-analytics platform, MindMics automatically tracks your heart rhythm over time and provides actionable health guidance.

From smartwatches to smart rings to mattress pads, more devices are being used to monitor users’ vital signs. MindMics, a newcomer to tech wearables, accomplishes a similar function — through your ears!

With patented sound-based technology (infrasonic hemodynography), MindMics captures more nuanced data than similar products. Through its companion smartphone app, MindMics earbuds use the data to help improve users’ health.

FYI: To learn more about the devices we saw at CES, read our guide to this year’s most exciting technology for seniors.

About the Company

Founded in 2018 by Anna Barnacka, an astrophysicist with multiple PhDs, MindMics was initially inspired by Barnacka’s astrophysics research. As she used sophisticated equipment to study black holes, she realized that human health monitoring lacked the same precision. Adapting her methodology, Barnacka created the proprietary MindMics system.

Since then, MindMics has raised money in two successful funding rounds in 2020 and 2022, and the company boasts endorsements from clinical partners such as Scripps Health and the Center for Innovation at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey.

About the Product

MindMics aims to provide biometric monitoring with hospital-level accuracy, all by reading the vibrations of your heart from inside your ears. MindMics’ proprietary SoundTool technology uses a process the company calls “infrasonic hemodynography” to detect sounds made in your body, similar to deep-space or sea exploration.

This sound-based approach contrasts with the industry-standard PPG light technology, the accuracy of which has been shown to be affected by skin tone.

MindMics also work as high-end Bluetooth earbuds, and they can capture heart rhythm data while you listen to music or other audio. Once connected to the MindMics mobile app, your headphones will begin monitoring your heart and providing accurate data on its rate, rhythm, valve health, and vein and artery flow.

Clinical trials in 2021 found it to be 99 percent accurate, more than some hospital-grade machinery. Where most monitors take readings at set intervals — say, every five minutes — SoundTool allows MindMics to provide hundreds of data points per second.

As the devices get to know your body, you will be able to view cardiovascular patterns and advice generated by MindMics’ cloud-based data analysis. Some Bluetooth hearing aids offer heart-rate or fitness monitoring, but MindMics are the first wearable device to provide such accurate and in-depth information in such a small package.

Product Pricing

MindMics are not yet available for purchase, so pricing remains a mystery. MindMics hopes to release its first earbuds in 2023, according to the company’s website.

Bottom Line

MindMics hopes its technology will disrupt the wearable market with its level of convenience and accuracy. Not only is the company always looking for new research partners to refine the technology, but selling directly to consumers is also one of its founders’ central goals.

The earbuds are not yet available to purchase, but MindMics welcomes consumer inquiries to preorder via its website. According to the site, MindMics hopes to release its first limited-edition earbuds in early 2023.

To learn more about the latest in senior tech, read our helpful guides and reviews.

ryan-molloy
Written By
Ryan Molloy

Ryan has years of experience researching and testing products that help people successfully age in place. After years of working for various publications such as Boston Magazine and The Believer, he has found his home at The Senior List, writing about all things related to caregiving and senior healthcare.