Multi-microphone long probe for OAE acquisition

描述（由申请人提供）：提出了一种用于记录耳声发射（OAE）的创新性多麦克风探头和采集系统的开发，该系统具有先进的噪声消除算法、增加的频率和强度范围以及加压能力。将实现两种先进的噪声消除算法：1）多参考自适应噪声消除（ANC）网络和2）二维滤波。这些算法将利用由多个麦克风提供的独立测量，以减少噪声污染。每个麦克风或麦克风组将连接到单独的模数（A/D）转换器，以便允许实现数字信号处理算法。探头的加压能力将允许实施鼓室测量和采集耳声发射，同时补偿外耳和中耳之间的压力不平衡。从一个原型单麦克风长探头的结果表明，设计概念是有效的，并提供良好的质量OAE记录，同时减少金属响应的不良影响。所提出的探头还将改善当前OAE探头的有限动态和频率范围。该探头预计能够提供高达90 dB HL的刺激水平和高达24 kHz的频率响应。在第一阶段，将在成人和婴儿受试者的不同噪声条件下构建和测试各种探头。在第二阶段，将进一步开发和检查新探头的加压能力。设计的最佳探头将与最佳噪声消除算法一起沿着实施，并在综合临床研究中进行测试，包括探头的加压能力。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The development of an innovative multi-microphone probe and acquisition system for recording otoacoustic emissions {OAEs} with advanced noise cancellation algorithms, increased frequency and intensity ranges and pressurization capabilities is proposed. Two advanced noise cancellation algorithm will be implemented: 1) a multi-reference adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) network and 2) two-dimensional filtering. These algorithms will utilize the independent measurements provided by the multiple microphones in order to reduce noise contaminants. Each microphone or microphone groupings will be connected to individual analog-to-digital (A/D) converters in order to allow for the implementation of the digital signal processing algorithms. The pressurization capabilities of the probe will allow implementation of tympanometry and the acquisition of OAEs while compensating for pressure imbalances between the outer and middle ear. Results from a prototype single microphone long probe are presented demonstrating that the design concept is valid and provides good quality OAE recordings while reducing the undesirable effects of the metal response. The proposed probe will also improve upon the limited dynamic and frequency range of current OAE probes. The probe is expected to be able to provide stimulus levels of up to 90 dB HL and a frequency response of up to 24 kHz. During Phase I, various probes will be constructed and tested under different noise conditions in adult and infant subjects. During Phase II, the pressurization capabilities of the new probe will be further developed and examined. The optimal probe designed will be implemented along with the optimal noise cancellation algorithm and tested in a comprehensive clinical study incorporating the pressurization capabilities of the probe.