Built-In Motion Sensors

Starkey hearing aids with fall detection are equipped with advanced motion sensors that continuously track body movement, speed, and orientation. These motion sensors work behind the scenes powering activity tracking features such as daily step count and exercise metrics, as well as automatic fall detection.

When a sudden change in motion occurs, like a quick downward movement, it is immediately recognized as a potential fall. Using smart software, these hearing aids can instantly tell the difference between normal daily movements, like bending over to pick up a newspaper, and sudden, high-impact falls.

Fall Detection Algorithms

If a potential fall is detected, specialized algorithms instantly begin analyzing the data more closely. The system looks for specific patterns such as a sudden and fast downward drop, a rapid deceleration or impact, followed by a period of stillness. This helps distinguish a possible fall from everyday activities and movements.

The fall sensitivity settings can also be adjusted in the My Starkey app to fit individual preferences. Users can choose Low, Default, or High sensitivity, giving them more control over how the system responds to changes in movement.

If the algorithms determine the sudden change in movement was a fall, an alert countdown is automatically initiated.

Fall Alerts

When the hearing aids detect a fall, the system starts a countdown that will automatically send a fall alert text message to emergency contacts when it reaches zero. A fall alert can also be triggered by the wearer manually by pressing and holding the control button on the hearing aid.

Here is the step-by-step process of how fall alerts work:

• A Countdown Begins: A 60- or 90-second countdown starts, based on the preference selected in the My Starkey companion app. The countdown plays audibly through the hearing aids and visibly appears on the smartphone screen as well.
• The Alert Can Be Canceled: If no help is needed, the alert can be canceled by manually pressing the control button on the hearing aid or tapping “Cancel Alert” on the smartphone screen. If canceled, the user will hear an audible indicator through their hearing aids that says, “Alert cancelled.”
• Emergency Contacts Are Alerted: If the countdown reaches zero, a fall alert text is sent to up to three pre-selected emergency contacts, such as a spouse, family members, or caregivers.
• Location Sharing: When location sharing is enabled, the alert includes the precise GPS location of where the fall occurred, so emergency contacts know where to send help.
• Alert Receipt Confirmation: Emergency contacts can tap a button in the alert message to confirm it was received. Once confirmed, the user’s hearing aids will say, “Alert received,” and a confirmation notification will appear on the smartphone screen as well.

For people who live alone, enjoy an active lifestyle, or simply want added confidence during everyday activities, this technology can help ensure that help is notified quickly when it’s needed most.