AI model from Maastricht University Claims to Detect COVID-19 in People’s Voices

The researchers used a voice analysis technique called Mel-spectrogram analysis, which identifies different voice features such as loudness, variation, and power over time.
Listen to this story

Artificial intelligence (AI) can now be used to detect COVID-19 infection in people’s voices through a mobile phone app, claim researchers from Maastricht University, The Netherlands. The research will be presented on September 5, 2022 at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

The AI model used in this research claims to be more accurate than the rapid antigen tests as well as quicker and easier to use. The model aims to assist in the detection of infection in low-income countries, where PCR tests are often expensive and difficult to distribute. 

Researcher Wafaa Aljbawi from the Institute of Data Science, Maastricht University said that the AI model was accurate 89% of the time—with the accuracy of lateral flow tests widely dependent on the brand.

AIM Daily XO

Join our editors every weekday evening as they steer you through the most significant news of the day, introduce you to fresh perspectives, and provide unexpected moments of joy
Your newsletter subscriptions are subject to AIM Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

Aljbawi further added that, “These promising results suggest that simple voice recordings and fine-tuned AI algorithms can potentially achieve high precision in determining which patients have COVID-19 infection. Such tests can be provided at no cost and are simple to interpret. They could be used, for example, at the entry points for large gatherings, enabling rapid screening of the population.”

The team obtained data from the crowd-sourcing COVID-19 Sounds App by the University of Cambridge. It contains 893 audio samples from 4,352 healthy and unhealthy participants—with 308 of whom had tested positive for COVID-19. 


Download our Mobile App



The app would be installed on the user’s mobile phone where the participants would report information about demographics and medical history, along with recording respiratory sounds. Users would be asked to cough three times, breathe deeply through their mouth three to five times, and read a short sentence on the screen three times.

A voice analysis technique called ‘Mel-spectrogram’ analysis was used by the researchers to identify different voice features such as loudness, variation, and power over time.

Sign up for The Deep Learning Podcast

by Vijayalakshmi Anandan

The Deep Learning Curve is a technology-based podcast hosted by Vijayalakshmi Anandan - Video Presenter and Podcaster at Analytics India Magazine. This podcast is the narrator's journey of curiosity and discovery in the world of technology.

Bhuvana Kamath
I am fascinated by technology and AI’s implementation in today’s dynamic world. Being a technophile, I am keen on exploring the ever-evolving trends around applied science and innovation.

Our Upcoming Events

24th Mar, 2023 | Webinar
Women-in-Tech: Are you ready for the Techade

27-28th Apr, 2023 I Bangalore
Data Engineering Summit (DES) 2023

23 Jun, 2023 | Bangalore
MachineCon India 2023 [AI100 Awards]

21 Jul, 2023 | New York
MachineCon USA 2023 [AI100 Awards]

3 Ways to Join our Community

Telegram group

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Discord Server

Stay Connected with a larger ecosystem of data science and ML Professionals

Subscribe to our Daily newsletter

Get our daily awesome stories & videos in your inbox
MOST POPULAR

Council Post: Evolution of Data Science: Skillset, Toolset, and Mindset

In my opinion, there will be considerable disorder and disarray in the near future concerning the emerging fields of data and analytics. The proliferation of platforms such as ChatGPT or Bard has generated a lot of buzz. While some users are enthusiastic about the potential benefits of generative AI and its extensive use in business and daily life, others have raised concerns regarding the accuracy, ethics, and related issues.