like he said 24 ChannelsThe device is wireless, battery powered and designed for professionals such as singers, teachers, politicians, call center workers and trainers. It can also help doctors remotely monitor patients with voice disorders during treatment.

How does an unusual gadget work?

A soft, flexible device is attached to the upper part of the chest. It reads the vibrations that occur while talking and singing and transmits the collected data to users’ smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth.

Then, proprietary machine learning algorithms distinguish between speaking and singing, allowing users to monitor each activity individually. The application allows you to set personalized sound thresholds. When the user approaches this threshold, a notification will appear in the form of vibration.

Materials scientists, biomedical engineers, opera singers and defectologists took part in the development of the device. The main task of the device is to prevent injuries due to excessive use of vocal cords, which is a common situation in people who make a living using their voice. This often leads to vocal fatigue, which negatively affects their ability to communicate.

Why is this a really necessary gadget?

It is important to note that the device is unique. That is, there is no other similar device aimed at professionals who often encounter sound health problems.

Voice fatigue is a constant threat to millions of people around the world who use their voice mainly at work, and who do so more than any other person. Due to excessive strain, the vocal cords swell, so the voice sounds hoarse and loses its strength. At best, voice fatigue can interrupt business plans for a short time, and in the worst case, it can be damaging enough to health to end a career.

Often people do not realize that they are using their voices excessively until the first signs of hoarseness appear. With this device, people can monitor their voice activities in real time throughout the day and measure their cumulative total voice usage. The device and app will warn users about overusing their voices and let them know when to take a break before over-straining their voice.

The problem is really urgent.

Sound expert Teresa Brancaccio, who co-led the study, says experienced classical singers tend to better understand how they use their voices because they live and learn from their own experiences. But some people who have to give a lot of speech in their line of work, such as teachers, politicians, and sports coaches, often don’t realize how much pressure they put on them.

That’s why a smart device with advanced algorithms developed by Northwestern University researchers is vital for professionals.