Detection of aspiration using sensor technology close to the ear
Prof. Dr. med. Andreas Radeloff (Medicine, ENT)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tanja Schultz (Computer Science)
Swallowing disorders in the elderly can lead to aspiration and potentially life-threatening pneumonia. This project aims to automate aspiration detection using sensors near the ear, including hearing aid microphones and EMG. Machine learning models will analyze biosignals to identify characteristic patterns of chewing and swallowing. Initial data will be collected from healthy volunteers, followed by patient studies in a clinical setting to ensure reliable detection before pneumonia occurs.