Read more
This book examines the diagnostic usefulness of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in the context of theoretical cochlear mechanics. OAEs have proven to be immensely useful for diagnostic purposes. The phenomenology of hearing physiology, and OAEs in particular, is briefly summarized, providing the necessary references to the literature. State-of-the-art linear and nonlinear mathematical models of the cochlea are discussed, using fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics and mechanics of vibrating systems, often exploiting the formal analogy between mechanical and electric linear systems. In particular, it is explained how the theoretical predictions about the OAE level, phase, and nonlinear I/O functions allow one to design advanced acquisition and analysis tools that significantly improve the specificity and sensitivity of OAEs to hearing dysfunction and other important physiological effects. Examples of diagnostic applications of OAEs in audiology, neurology, and space physiology are discussed, with all of the information needed to develop an OAE experiment provided, from instrument and acquisition setup to signal analysis and theoretical interpretation. The book is targeted at graduate students and researchers in hearing science with at least a basic knowledge of classical physics, calculus, Fourier analysis and signal analysis.
List of contents
1 Hearing function and hearing physiology.- 2 Phenomenology of hearing.- 3 Mathematical models of the physiology of hearing.- 4 Generation of otoacoustic emissions.- 5 Measurement of otoacoustic emissions.- 6 Otoacoustic emission signal analysis.- 7 Diagnostic use of otoacoustic emissions.
About the author
Arturo Moleti is associate professor of Applied Physics at the Physics Dept. of the University of Roma Tor Vergata. His current research activity covers theoretical and experimental aspects of the Physics of Hearing, particularly Cochlear Mechanics and Otoacoustic Emissions. He authored peer-reviewed publications in the fields of hearing science, gravitational waves, nuclear fusion, and far infrared astronomy. He has been the principal investigator of national and international research projects. His recent research projects include: "OAE component unmixing", "Astronauts' hearing in microgravity", and "OAE response in neurodegenerative diseases".
Renata Sisto is research director at the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL) at the Laboratories of Monte Porzio Catone. Her peer-reviewed publications span the fields of theoretical particle physics and occupational health, with a particular focus on theoretical cochlear modeling and on the application of objective diagnostics of hearing to occupationally exposed workers. She has been the principal investigator of numerous national research projects. Her recent research projects include: "OAE-based objective diagnostics", "Intensimetric OAE measurements", "Physiological basis of nonlinear cochlear models".
Summary
This book examines the diagnostic usefulness of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in the context of theoretical cochlear mechanics. OAEs have proven to be immensely useful for diagnostic purposes. The phenomenology of hearing physiology, and OAEs in particular, is briefly summarized, providing the necessary references to the literature. State-of-the-art linear and nonlinear mathematical models of the cochlea are discussed, using fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics and mechanics of vibrating systems, often exploiting the formal analogy between mechanical and electric linear systems. In particular, it is explained how the theoretical predictions about the OAE level, phase, and nonlinear I/O functions allow one to design advanced acquisition and analysis tools that significantly improve the specificity and sensitivity of OAEs to hearing dysfunction and other important physiological effects. Examples of diagnostic applications of OAEs in audiology, neurology, and space physiology are discussed, with all of the information needed to develop an OAE experiment provided, from instrument and acquisition setup to signal analysis and theoretical interpretation. The book is targeted at graduate students and researchers in hearing science with at least a basic knowledge of classical physics, calculus, Fourier analysis and signal analysis.
