Communication Sciences and Disorders Publications
Title
Evaluating the accuracy of step tracking and fall detection in the starkey livio artificial intelligence hearing aids: A pilot study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2021
Journal
American Journal of Audiology
Volume
30
Issue
1
First Page
182
Last Page
189
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1044/2020_AJA-20-00105
Abstract
Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and the effectiveness of Starkey Livio Artificial Intelligence hearing aids in tracking step count. A secondary purpose was to investigate the accuracy of the fall detection and alert system of Livio hearing aids in detecting fall maneuvers. Method: A participant wore Binaural Starkey Livio receiver-in-the-canal style hearing aids, a Sportline pedometer, and a Fitbit Charge 3 concurrently during both real-world and treadmill walking conditions. The real-world condition was conducted over a 5-day period. Step count for the treadmill protocol was assessed at six different treadmill speeds (2 mph, 2.5 mph, 3 mph, 3.5 mph, 4 mph, 4.5 mph, and 5 mph). The fall detection and alert system were assessed through falling maneuvers of activities of daily living. Results: In the real-world condition, Livio, Sportline, and Fitbit recorded steps within 1 SD of each other. In addition, Livio recorded the most accurate steps compared to actual physical steps taken. In the treadmill condition, Livio recorded the least number of steps across all walking paces compared to the rest of the devices. Also, Livio hearing aids detected majority of the engaged falling maneuvers. Conclusions: The Livio was found to be feasible, consistent, and sensitive in detecting steps and falls. Further research of higher sample size and recruitment of individuals with hearing loss are suggested.