It helps to keep the beat (9)
I believe the answer is:
pacemaker
This clue might be a double definition.
'it helps' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'keep the beat' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pacemaker that I've seen before include "Device to regulate the heartbeat" , "Electrical device put in heart to stimulate pulse" , "leader at the start" , "(Device to act as) control of heart rhythm" , "Device correcting heart rhythms" .)