Google’s HeAR Model to Enhance Early Detection of Tuberculosis in India
Introduction
In a bid to combat the rising burden of tuberculosis (TB) in India, Google’s Health Acoustic Representations (HeAR) model is being explored to enhance early detection of TB based on cough sounds. Indian startup Salcit Technologies is utilizing HeAR to build on research for its product Swaasa, which uses an AI-driven algorithm to assess abnormal lung function.
What is HeAR?
HeAR is a bioacoustic foundation model introduced in March 2024, designed to help researchers build models that can listen to human sounds and flag early signs of disease. Trained on approximately 300 million pieces of audio data, including 100 million cough sounds, HeAR can help extend TB screening more widely across India.
Salcit Technologies and Swaasa
Hyderabad-based Salcit Technologies launched Swaasa in 2020, which uses AI to assess abnormal lung function. By integrating HeAR, Swaasa aims to enhance early detection of TB.
Benefits of HeAR
HeAR can pick up chest x-ray findings, tuberculosis, and even detect Covid from cough sounds. According to Sujay Kakarmath, a product manager at Google Research, “Compared to blood tests and imaging, sound is by far the most accessible piece of information that we can get about a person.”
Support from Stop TB Partnership
The Stop TB Partnership, an UN-hosted organization dedicated to ending TB by 2030, supports this approach. Digital health specialist Zhi Zhen Qin notes, “Solutions like HeAR will enable AI-powered acoustic analysis to break new ground in tuberculosis screening and detection.”
Future Possibilities
Google invites researchers to explore HeAR’s potential and request access to the HeAR API. Through its research, Google hopes to advance the development of future diagnostic tools and monitoring solutions, assisting improved health outcomes globally.
Conclusion
Google’s HeAR model has the potential to revolutionize TB detection in India, making screening more accessible and widespread. By leveraging AI and acoustic analysis, HeAR can help identify early signs of disease, enabling timely intervention and improving health outcomes.
