Computer Techniques in Electrostimulation Testing of Hearing and Hearing Aid Modeling

摘要

In this paper two applications of computer techniques in audiology are presented. In the first part of the paper, a new method to examine electrostimulation of structures of the auditory tract, developed in the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, is described. The study is dedicated to the problem of an evaluation of the auditory nerve electrical sensitivity in deaf people, assisted by computer technology. A new method is proposed, which enables an assessment of both hearing loss in a given moment of time and the future benefits of the cochlear implant to the patient. In the second part of the paper, a new method of fitting acoustical elements of a hearing aid is proposed. A digital waveguide model of these elements is designed. Next, on the basis of this model computer simulations are performed. It is possible to obtain the desired shape of transfer function of the model by changing the values of its parameters. Resulting o computer simulation dimensions of the physical system can be calculated. This method' can be used to design acoustical elements of a hearing aid, having desired acoustical properties. Both applications, although aimed at different group of patients, prove that computer techniques are helpful in modern audiology.