An estimated 71.5 million U.S. adults use wearable devices to collect biometric data, a measurement of various physical characteristics. Wearable technology encompasses a variety of interactive devices that track user-specific data. Common gadgets include the Apple Watch, FitBit, and Aura Ring. These devices track biometric data while the device is worn to communicate information such as heart rate, oxygen saturation and temperature. This increasingly popular form of data collection allows people to make informed decisions about their health and wellness, and often assists healthcare providers with remote monitoring of chronic disease. Wearable technology is revolutionizing modern healthcare with its reliable and cost-effective biometric data collection.
Until recently, most wearable devices on the market measure biometrics transdermally; they work by monitoring blood flow below the skin surface. MindMics is transforming the field of biometric data collection through its novel infrasonic hemodynograph (IH) technology. Founded by Dr. Anna Barnacka, MindMics is a wearable technology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Barnacka’s patented IH technology is embedded into wearable earbuds. It works by detecting low frequency sound signals released by the body that cause vibrations in the inner ear. IH technology detects the vibrations, caused by mechanisms like cardiac contraction and breathing, and presents them as biometric data with similar reliability to diagnostic tests utilized in the hospital.
MindMics’ IH technology is clinically validated by multiple leading institutions as an evidence-based, non-invasive tool. The technology can help diagnose both cardiac arrhythmias and structural cardiac abnormalities. Cardiac arrhythmias are prevalent and involve improper electrical conductions in the heart. If not treated, cardiac arrhythmias can lead to things like stroke, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. The Center for Disease Control estimates that atrial fibrillation contributes to more than 158,000 deaths each year. A study from the Heart Rhythm Society found that IH monitors can detect cardiac rhythms with accuracy identical to an electrocardiogram. In addition to delivering information about heart rhythms, MindMics technology tracks hemodynamic data; such information is typically obtained from more invasive procedures like an echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization. A study from the American Heart Association found similar accuracy between IH technology and echocardiogram technology in detecting aortic valve opening/closure, left ventricular outflow, and left ventricular ejection time. IH technology can effectively detect severe aortic stenosis. Wearable technology, like the IH technology, shows promise in death reduction through identification of cardiac defects and arrythmias that could lead to medical intervention.
Compared to other wearables on the market, MindMics’ IH technology uniquely offers its users insight into hemodynamic data that could be used to diagnose structural abnormalities of the heart. MindMics collects data continuously rather than every few minutes. Because it does not work transdermally, it works effectively on all skin tones. While MindMics plans to market their own ear buds, the technology can be adapted for use in other ear buds or hearing aids, making it more versatile than other devices on the market.
MindMics’ unique ability to capture expanded biometric and hemodynamic data may appeal to a larger demographic than previous types of wearable technology. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global wearable technology market is valued at 93.28 billion in 2022 with significant growth projected for 2023. One study found that users of wearable technology varies significantly depending on socioeconomic factors; those of higher socioeconomic background are more frequent users. However, MindMics’ unique ability to provide enhanced hemodynamic monitoring may appeal to those with chronic illness requiring frequent medical monitoring. Chronic illness is more prevalent in people of lower socioeconomic background, which presents an interesting challenge in health equity.
MindMics may face challenges with health equity, user compliance, and data security. MindMics technology is currently priced at $30 per month, or $360 per year. While some wearable trackers can be purchased for closer to $100 upfront. The overall yearly cost, and the rolling nature to the monthly payments, will likely be more expensive for its users. However, the ability to pay monthly may appeal to those with more limited financial resources. Considering that MindMics technology is embedded in earbuds, user compliance may be a challenge. If the user does not wear the earbuds consistently, biometric data collection becomes restricted, which possibly limits the benefits from the technology. Finally, because wearable technology collects and stores large amounts of biometric data, data integrity must be priority. According to MindMics’, the company abstains from selling data and adheres to strict privacy protocols to ensure that the collected data is protected.
Despite possible challenges in this industry, MindMics has demonstrated quick growth as a health technology startup. Dr. Anna Barnacka founded the company in July 2018. A former astrophysicist, Barnaka is originally from Poland. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Pedagogical University. She holds two PhD’s from both Paris-Sud University and Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center. Barnacka completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard’s Center for Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. During her time there, she received the prestigious Einstein Fellow for her work. While working as an Einstein fellow, Barnaka sought technology that could help her manage stress. Her attempts to use other wearable technology proved bulky and ineffective. Barnacka’s background in physics facilitated the development of her company MindMics and creation of their patented IH technology.
Barnaka founded MindMics in July 2018. Initial investors included MedTech Innovator and MassChallenge, which established a financial foundation to pursue clinical validation. In 2022, MindMics received a “Prix Galien Startup” nomination as one of the top startups in the health industry. In March 2023, The company announced their partnership with Qualcomm Technologies in their Voice and Music Extension Program to accelerate the commercialization of their IH technology and it’s first product launched in May 2023 (currently available for presale). Since the launch, BBC Storyworks film series “Technology’s Golden Age” featured MindMics. The company appears on the Senior List’s ‘Most Exciting Technology for 2023’, and has since received additional funding from investors like HeartX Accelorator. MindMics currently holds one patent with thirty additional patents pending. Dr. Anna Barnaka’s novel IH technology has quickly demonstrated clinical reliability and efficacy.