UK researchers receive funding to investigate whether voice and health information could help identify people who need earlier assessment.
Researchers are investigating whether a short voice recording could one day help health services identify people at greater risk of heart and circulation problems.
DDM Health and Royal Holloway, University of London have received Innovate UK funding as part of the Biomedical Catalyst for the 24-month project.
The researchers will study whether features within a person’s speech, when considered alongside existing health information, can provide useful warning signals relating to high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, heart failure and stroke risk.
The £540,161 project will focus on adults living with obesity or type 2 diabetes, who are more likely to develop heart and circulation conditions.
These problems can progress without obvious symptoms, meaning opportunities for earlier support may be missed.
The research will explore whether a short recording made using a smartphone or connected device could provide an additional, convenient way to flag people who may benefit from further assessment.
Arjun Panesar, Founding CEO and Head of Ethical AI at DDM Health, said: “Many heart and circulation risks develop quietly, particularly among people already living with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
“A short voice recording is familiar, remote and non-invasive. We want to find out whether it can provide an additional useful signal that helps identify people who may benefit from earlier assessment and support.
“This is not about diagnosing somebody from their voice or replacing doctors. It is about researching whether voice can add useful information to support clinical decisions.
“We now have the opportunity to develop the technology responsibly, test it rigorously and understand both its potential and its limitations.”
DDM Health and Royal Holloway will develop a research prototype and examine its performance and usability.
The technology is at the research stage and is not currently available to patients.
It will not diagnose medical conditions on its own, and any future use would depend on the results of the research and the relevant clinical, regulatory and safety requirements.
The project will run until 31 May 2028.
