Design and Analysis of a Sensor-Enabled In-Ear Device for Physiological Monitoring¹

Many situations require monitoring of physiological signs while still allowing for the wearer to be mobile [1]. These situations vary from home-health monitoring to military applications and to the monitoring of astronauts' vital signs in microgravity. One way to achieve this type of portable monitoring is to collect physiological data through sensors that are placed in the ear, a method that is particularly useful for users already wearing an in-ear device, such as communication devices or hearing protection. In-ear applications are also lightweight and less obtrusive than other types of portable physiological monitors such as belts, vests, or devices that must be attached to the skin [2]. However, as with other on-body applications the fit of the device to the body part is essential to comfort and wearability [3]. Unlike other body areas, the anthropometry and anthropometric variability of the ear are not well...