DSP based auditory brainstem evoked response system

Abstract

The Auditory Brain Stem Evoked Response (ABER) represents the neural activity generated by the peripheral auditory nerve and brainstem auditory pathways. The potentials consist of a series of peaks in response to an acoustic stimulus applied through earphones. With recent developments in digital signal processing (DSP), advanced signalprocessing methods are being used in neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological signal analysis. Auditory brainstem evoked potential studies are used in medicine to assess the sensory function of the brainstem. The ABER is recorded differentially between electrodes placed on the vertex and the mastoid on the side on which the stimulus is applied. The ABER potentials are usually embedded in noise of large amplitude. The ABER system is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of auditory system malfunction. However, the ABER systems available in the Indian market are imported, very expensive, and difficult to maintain. Therefore, the realization of an inexpensive and easytomaintain ABER system is the main theme of the research work described in this thesis. The realization of an ABER system consists of:

Design of ABER hardware and related system software Development of algorithms to extract ABER signals

An ABER hardware system along with system software was developed. The system was tested with a standard set of signals.