System for intelligent processing and recognition of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) signals

Abstract

The registration of auditory brainstem response signals allows an objective analysis of processes taking place at particular levels of the neural part of the auditory system. The studies on hearing threshold using auditory brainstem response (ABR) comprise registration of a series of responses for stimuli of varying intensities and frequencies and then determination of the wave V detection threshold, which is directly correlated with the hearing threshold. The paper presents the currently realized system for analysis of ABR's registered during screening and diagnostic examinations. Presented are the methods of preliminary processing and analysis of ABR signals, the selected space of distinctive features describing these signals and the constructed techniques for classification and automated recognition of ABR signals. The system will allow collection and distribution of both raw and processed data for conducting the research work in the field of neuroacoustics and social medicine as well as the development and testing of electromedical equipment. © Springer-Verlag 2003.