Since its launch in 2015, Apple has presented its Apple Watch connected watch as a health accessory, but, like other manufacturers, it struggles to offer useful functions for everyone. However, the launch of the Apple Watch 10 on Friday brings a new argument: the detection of sleep apnea. this disease “affects 14% of French people”reports Isabelle Arnulf, a neurologist and head of the sleep disorders department at the Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris. Underdiagnosed, it can cause fatigue and drowsiness, and even increase cardiovascular risks.
Samsung launched a few weeks earlier the Galaxy Watch 7, capable of detecting this same disease. These are the first two consumer watches to receive validation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American health regulator. In Europe, this function should be approved by the end of the month, according to Apple. As for the Samsung company, it assures World work there.
At the same time, Apple is focusing on another common and underdiagnosed condition: hearing loss. Its AirPods Pro 2 will soon be able to act as a hearing aid, clarifying the voices of those around you. “These losses affect approximately 10% of the population.says Denis Le Squer, director general of the Hearing Foundation, increase the risk of isolation and promote the onset of dementia. » The function has also been validated by the FDA, something that European regulators should also do. this fall.
The fear of overdiagnosis
For those equipped, these features should reduce the level of effort required to obtain an initial diagnosis, particularly for hearing problems. “I have nine months to wait for my ENT appointment”Candice Lacroix, head of the ear, nose and throat department at the Cochin Hospital in Paris, testifies. Some people can therefore detect their ear problems earlier thanks to the application provided by Apple. Gold “The sooner we start, the easier the recovery will be”the doctor continues.
Denis Le Squer, however, reminds us that we can do without the Apple branding altogether to protect ourselves. “We offer a hearing diagnostic application validated by the World Health Organization, Höra”says the general director of the Hearing Foundation.
On the sleep apnea side, “The clock may allow it to be treated before it gets worse, by adopting a better lifestyle.considers Isabelle Arnulf. Its users will be more aware of the effects of alcohol and excess weight. » But the neurologist fears the risks of overdiagnosis: “Forty percent of French people have an apnea index greater than 15”corresponding to the moderate apnea threshold that activates the watch alert. “Beware of the avalanche of queries, she warns. For me, a syndrome is something we suffer from, we should not go to a doctor without this symptom.
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