NXP is finding ways to combine new and existing technologies, creating solutions that help people overcome disabilities, manage chronic illness, and live longer, more independent lives.

Hearing aids

Studies estimate that roughly 10% of the world's population suffers from hearing impairments, but less than 2% wear a hearing aid. NXP has a breakthrough technology, based on magnetic induction, that enables better communication between the hearing aid and other audio equipment. It can make hearing aids more effective and, as a result, may encourage more people to wear them. The approach is also much more energy efficient, so the battery lasts much longer, and, since the magnetic-induction radio has far less interaction with human tissue, poses less risk of tissue damage than conventional, radio-frequency technologies. NXP's solution is currently being used by the Swiss company Phonak, a leading supplier of hearing systems.

Medical sensors

Building on expertise gained from its industry-leading work in automotive sensors, NXP's R&D group is working on new sensors for use in healthcare. Mounted on a strap or patch, or inserted in the ear, these new sensors will be able to monitor vital signs (like heart rate, body temperature, or blood pressure), measure specific substances (such as toxins, DNA proteins, or medication levels), or monitor body positioning and motion, to detect if the person has fallen down.

Having real-time data about one's own physical condition can help healthy people stay healthy and can help chronically ill people manage their diseases. People with diabetes, for example, a condition that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates affects more than 175 million people, could use sensors to monitor their glucose levels without having to take frequent blood samples.

When combined with electronics for communications, medical sensors show added promise, especially in the area of elder care. Say the sensor detects a fall or a rapid change in vital signs. It can initiate a link, via cell phone, to notify a doctor or initiate emergency services. Similarly, a connected sensor lets the doctor monitor status remotely, so elderly patients visit the hospital less often and stay for shorter periods after receiving treatment. On a day-to-day basis, the doctor's office can use collected data to remind a patient to take a medication, alert a caretaker that it's time to schedule an appointment, or even recommend a course of action, all without seeing the patient in person.

Medical sensors are still in their infancy, but NXP already has working prototypes. Commercial versions could be available in as little as three to five years, once testing and trial phases are complete.