Today’s healthcare is no longer the exclusive province of the specialized practitioner at a specific medical facility. Technology is fueling sweeping changes in access to therapies, facilitating more affordable, consumer-friendly and effective self-care, to and from virtually anywhere.
 
This surge in digital health solutions is evident with near-daily news of regulatory and tech breakthroughs. Among the more notable developments: E-commerce titan Amazon launched Amazon Pharmacy in 2020 following its acquisition of online pharmacy PillPack. More recently, the company announced its purchase of One Medical, a membership-based primary care practice. Then, in August, the hearing-aid market was rocked by FDA’s landmark authorization of over-the-counter hearing aids. The decision allows direct-to-consumer and retail-based hearing aid sales and followed years-long advocacy by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA®). In the very near future, hearing aids will be sold directly to consumers in the U.S. without a medical exam, and at lower costs.

Wearables and Digital Platforms: Therapies Where You Are

 
The medical consumer is receiving a greater measure of long-sought autonomy over health outcomes. Three particularly bold businesses include CES exhibitors that have developed devices and platforms for a more patient-directed experience. Here’s a look at their achievements.

Nuheara

 
Hearing health company and CTA member Nuheara offers smart earbuds based on a multi-functional and intelligent hearing technology that augments the wearer’s hearing. Nuheara, CTA Company of the Year in 2021 and 2020 Innovation Award honoree, will see its hearing aids sold directly to consumers in the U.S. -- without a medical exam or audiologist fitting. The company anticipates availability of its hearing products as early as this fall at major retail outlets. One of these, Best Buy, announced in August its intent to sell OTC hearing aids beginning in October, offering brands that include Nuheara.

The first company in consumer-wearables tech to be listed on the Australian stock exchange, Nuheara is transforming the way people hear. Its technology boosts hearing and facilitates cable-free connection to smart devices. The company’s companion app, IQbuds, and Ear ID feature for individual hearing calibration, allow users to personalize listening experiences based on their unique profile. The earbuds provide active noise cancellation with “world off” mode, and Bluetooth streaming for phone calls, music, TV and video calls.  

CareWear Corp Wearable Therapeutics

 
Designed for consumers, the CareWear light patch is an over-the-counter medical device. It pairs with a digital health infrastructure that allows clinicians to select treatment parameters and outcome indicators, monitor use and report in real time via the cloud. CareWear, a CTA members, has been recognized by industry and medical specialists for effective pain management, accelerated recovery and performance enhancement.
 
This, the first wearable, wireless light patch and therapeutic system earned CareWear a CES 2022 Innovation Award. The FDA-registered LED patches provide red light therapy for self-care to reduce pain and joint stiffness, relax muscles and improve circulation. The company’s wearables are used by more than 100 professional sports teams, the U.S. armed forces, military academies and NCAA schools.

Essence SmartCare, an Essence Group Company

 
Remote-care leader and CTA member Essence SmartCare develops advanced health and care platforms for preventive and emergency care. The company’s VitalOn platform, a 2022 Innovation Award winner, combines telecare, telehealth and wellness capabilities into a single, always-on system. It provides continuous monitoring for a wide range of age-related health issues and chronic conditions.
 
For improved proactive, predictive and preventative care, VitalOn gathers and analyzes patient data from multiple health and monitoring devices to alert when abnormal conditions are detected. VitalOn addresses diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure and other serious health risks without the need for smartphone or tablet apps.

Explore the World of Digital Health

 
The landscape is changing as companies like these are answering consumers’ calls for convenience and easy access to care. Consumer demand and updated regulations are disrupting traditional paths to, and prices for, a growing range of therapies. And, as a result, digital health is becoming more the norm to the benefit of healthcare providers and consumers, alike.
 
Discover the tools and technologies lowering costs, improving health equity and saving lives as patients take greater control of their health status. The home for digital health innovation, CES draws the best and brightest businesses breaking new ground in modern healthcare.