Application of an artificial intelligence–assisted electronic stethoscope for evaluating swallowing function decline across age groups and sex in Japan

Abstract

Aim: This preliminary investigation examined whether pharyngeal clearance time (PCT) measured by a neck-worn electronic stethoscope (NWES) differed by age and sex. Methods: A total of 155 healthy adults consented to participate and were categorized into three age groups: young (20–39 years), middle (40–64 years) and old (≥65 years). The participants were asked to perform two swallows of 5 mL of water. The swallowing acoustics were recorded by the NWES, and the PCT was automatically calculated from the recorded data. Additionally, the seven subcategories of oral hypofunction were assessed. Differences in the PCT between age groups and sexes were tested using two-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to confirm the relation between PCT and other oral function measurement items. Linear regression analysis was also performed with PCT as the dependent variable along with age and sex as independent variables. Results: PCT was significantly longer in the old group than in the young group (P = 0.032), although no sex predilection was observed. No significant correlations were found between PCT and other oral function items, including a self-administered dysphagia questionnaire. However, PCT demonstrated a significant positive correlation with age in a linear regression model (standardized partial correlation coefficient, 0.165; P = 0.005), but not with sex. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PCT measured by the NWES became significantly prolonged in older adults, suggesting the potential of the NWES as a noninvasive, quantitative tool for assessing age-related changes in swallowing function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 1136–1141.