Title: Towards speech-elicited auditory evoked potentials
<<Hacia los potenciales evocados auditivos evocados por voz>>
Acronym: Speech-AEPs
Reference: PID2020-119073GB-I00 / MICIN / AEI / 10.13039/501100011033
Funding source: Convocatoria 2020 Proyectos de I+D+i, Programa Estatal de Generación de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento Científico y Tecnológico del Sistema de I+D+i y de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, en el marco del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2017-2020. Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Gobierno de España
Duration: Jul 01, 2021 – Jun 30, 2024
Amount funded: 33.759,00 €
Participants: University of Granada
IP: Ángel de la Torre, José C. Segura (left on Sep 10, 2023)
Investigators: Ángel de la Torre, José C. Segura (left on Sep 10, 2023), Sonia Mota, Luz García, Isaac M. Álvarez
Collaborators: Joaquín T. Valderrama (joined on Jan 1, 2023; and left on Dec 31, 2023), José L. Vargas, Marta Martínez, Juan Martín-Lagos (joined on Jan 1, 2024), Nicolás Müller (joined on Jan 1, 2024) and Francisco A. Chiquero (joined on Jan 1, 2024)
The main objective of this project is the development of novel methods for recording auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) elicited by natural speech. Recording speech-elicited AEP responses is challenging and requires: (1) advanced signal processing algorithms that enable the simultaneous deconvolution of multiple overlapping AEPs (i.e., multi-response deconvolution); (2) methods for reducing different noise artifacts during EEG acquisition; (3) methods for appropriate categorization of speech events to be considered in multi-response deconvolution; and (4) well-defined protocols for recording and deconvolution of speech-elicited AEP responses for future research and clinical applications. This project considers the specific objectives below.
1. Develop novel signal processing algorithms that enable fast multi-response deconvolution, appropriate for estimating overlapping transient responses elicited by speech.
2. Develop novel algorithms that attenuate different noise sources, typically present in recorded electroencephalograms, including blink-artifacts and artifacts derived from the electrical network.
3. Define adequate categories of speech-elicited AEPs based on characteristics of the speech stimulus, e.g. “voice-onset”, “speech envelope”, “glottal closure instants”, etc.
4. Analyse and interpret the morphology of the speech-elicited AEPs obtained for different categories in order to advance knowledge in how the central and peripherical human auditory system encodes and process speech.
5. Design easy-to-use protocols for recording and analysis speech-elicited AEPs to facilitate the use of these technologies by other researchers and clinicians.
Journal articles
A phase-demodulation based time drift compensation for the reduction of the 50/60 Hz power line interference in biopotentials
de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Muñoz-Orellana, JA.
Biomedical Signal Processing & Control (2026) 115. 109423. Open access
[DOI] [PDF] [Supplementary Material (includes Matlab/Octave code)]
Multi-response deconvolution of auditory evoked potentials in a reduced representation space
de la Torre A, Sanchez I, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Valderrama JT, Muller N, Vargas JL.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2024) 155, 3639–3653. Open access
[DOI] [PDF] [Supplementary Material (includes Matlab/Octave code)]
The hunt for hidden hearing loss in humans: From preclinical studies to effective interventions
Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, McAlpine D.
Frontiers in Neuroscience (2022) 16, 1000304, 13p. Open access
[DOI] [PDF]
Auditory brainstem responses obtained with randomised stimulation level
Martinez M, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, de la Torre A, Vargas JL.
International Journal of Audiology (2022).
Patents
- Title: An improved procedure for reduction of quasi-periodic interferences
Inventors: de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Muñoz-Orellana JA.
Applicant: University of Granada (Spain)
Application number: EP25166854.7 (European Application), ESP202430935 (Spanish Application)
Priority date: 12/11/2024
Status: Under review
Contact: [Principal Investigator] Prof Ángel de la Torre Vega (atv@ugr.es). [University of Granada] Knowledge Transfer Office (otri@ugr.es). - Title: Devices and methods for common mode noise reduction in biopotential acquisitions
Inventors: de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Valderrama JT, Palma AJ, Carvajal MA, Pousibet A
Applicant: University of Granada (Spain)
Application number: EP4461221A1 (European Application)
Publication date: 13/11/2024
Status: Withdrawn
Contact: [Principal Investigator] Prof Ángel de la Torre Vega (atv@ugr.es). [University of Granada] Knowledge Transfer Office (otri@ugr.es).
Conference contributions
Potenciales auditivos evocados con voz sintética: Entendiendo las respuestas transitorias tempranas y tardías asociadas a los pulsos glotales y a los fonemas
de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Muller N, Chiquero F, Martin-Lagos J, Vargas JL.
76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC), Madrid, Spain (October 22-25, 2025)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
Respuestas evocadas auditivas con estimulación multinivel para la determinación ultra-precisa de los umbrales de audición
Muller N, de la Torre A, Chiquero F, Alvarez IM, Martin-Lagos J, Vargas JL.
76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC), Madrid, Spain (October 22-25, 2025)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
Evaluación objetiva de la percepción en ruido específica de la frecuencia basada en potenciales evocados auditivos
Chiquero F, Alvarez IM, Muller N, Martin-Lagos J, Vargas JL, de la Torre A.
76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC), Madrid, Spain (October 22-25, 2025)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
Diseño y demostración de un sistema de registro de potenciales evocados auditivos de bajo coste basado en electrónica de consumo: aplicación para divulgación de conceptos audiológicos en colegios y museos de ciencia
de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Muñoz-Orellana JA, Martin-Lagos J, Vargas JL.
76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC), Madrid, Spain (October 22-25, 2025)
[Abstract, Poster, Poster description, Conference summary]
Design and demonstration of a low-cost AEP recording system based on consumer electronics: Application for disseminating audiological concepts in schools and science museums
de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Raya M, Muñoz-Orellana JA, Martin-Lagos J, Torres-Lara JA.
International Workshop on Sound Signal Processing Applications (IWSSPA), Rota, Spain (July 8-11, 2025)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary, Book of Abstracts]
Frequency specific objective AEP-based assessment of hearing perception in noise
Chiquero F, Alvarez IM, Müller N, de la Torre A, Martín-Lagos J, Vargas JL.
XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, EEUU (June 14-18, 2025)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
Reduction of the power line interference in a single-channel AEP recording system based on low cost consumer electronics: application for dissemination of audiology concepts in schools and at a science museum
de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Muñoz-Orellana JA, Martín-Lagos J, López-Pérez L, Torres-Lara JA.
XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, EEUU (June 14-18, 2025)
[Abstract, Poster, Poster description, Conference summary]
Understanding early and late transient responses to speech: experiments using synthetic speech
de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Müller N, Chiquero F, Martín-Lagos J, Vargas JL.
XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, EEUU (June 14-18, 2025)
[Abstract, Poster, Poster description, Conference summary]
Auditory evoked responses of the complete auditory pathway using structured stimulation sequences
Müller N, de la Torre A, Chiquero F, Alvarez IM, Martín-Lagos J, Vargas JL.
XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, EEUU (June 14-18, 2025)
[Abstract, Poster, Poster description, Conference summary]
Live demonstration of a portable, affordable, and versatile auditory evoked potentials recording system mostly based on off-the-shelf electronics
de la Torre A, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, Segura, JC, Vargas JL, Palma AJ, Carvajal MA, Pousibet A.
XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Cologne, Germany (September 15-19, 2023)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Temporary Supplemental file (583 MB, available until 02/12/2023), Permanent Supplemental file (6 MB, Binary files and detailed figures excluded), Conference summary]
Simultaneous deconvolution of multiple auditory evoked potentials in a reduced representation space
de la Torre A, Sanchez I, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Muller N, Vargas JL.
XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Cologne, Germany (September 15-19, 2023)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
Deconvolution for flexible recording of transient evoked potentials
Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Vargas JL.
XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Cologne, Germany (September 15-19, 2023)
[Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
En la búsqueda de nuevos biomarcadores de la pérdida de audición oculta
Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Vargas JL.
XIX National Congress of Audiology of the Spanish Association of Audiology (AEDA), Madrid, Spain (June 15-17, 2023)
[Presentation]
EEG Demonstration: Recording evoked potentials beyond the laboratory (live demonstration)
de la Torre A.
2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca, Spain (May 25-27, 2023)
[Abstract, Presentation, Demonstration]
New avenues for recording auditory evoked potentials
Valderrama JT.
2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca, Spain (May 25-27, 2023)
[Abstract, Presentation]
The transient response to inter-aural time differences
Martinez M, Alvarez IM, Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Vargas JL.
76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (Oct 13-15, 2022)
Clinical value of auditory evoked potentials obtained with randomised stimulation
Martinez M, Alvarez IM, Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Vargas JL.
76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SEORL-CCC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (Oct 13-15, 2022)
The transient response to interaural time differences
Martinez M, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, Vargas JL, de la Torre A.
XXVII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, online Forum (June 14 – July 9, 2021)
Recording auditory brainstem responses with randomized stimulation level
Martinez M, Alvarez IM, Valderrama JT, Vargas JL, de la Torre A.
XXVII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, online Forum (June 14 – July 9, 2021)
Towards the recording of brainstem and cortical evoked responses from the fine structure of natural speech
Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Van Dun B, Segura JC.
XXVI International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Sydney, Australia (June 30 – July 4, 2019)
Students supervision
- Phd candidate: Francisco Antonio Chiquero Ortiz
Title: Potenciales evocados auditivos en respuesta a estímulos específicos de la frecuencia. Aplicaciones clínicas
Supervisors: Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz y José Luis Vargas Fernández
Department: Programa de Doctorado en Medicina y Salud Pública, University of Granada
Sponsorship: [Sponsor 1] P21.00152 (E-HHL-D), Andalusian Plan for Research, Development, and Innovation (PAIDI 2020); [Sponsor 2] PID2020-119073GB-I00 (Speech-AEPs), Ministry of Science and Innovation, Government of Spain
Status: undergoing - Phd candidate: Nicolas Müller Locatelli
Title: Registro de potenciales evocados auditivos multi-nivel de alta resolución en intensidad. Aplicaciones clínicas
Supervisors: Ángel de la Torre Vega y José Luis Vargas Fernández
Department: Programa de Doctorado en Medicina y Salud Pública, University of Granada
Sponsorship: [Sponsor 1] P21.00152 (E-HHL-D), Andalusian Plan for Research, Development, and Innovation (PAIDI 2020); [Sponsor 2] PID2020-119073GB-I00 (Speech-AEPs), Ministry of Science and Innovation, Government of Spain
Status: undergoing - Phd candidate: Marta Martínez Martínez
Title: New strategies for recording auditory evoked potentials using randomized monaural intensity stimulation and binaural stimulation <<Nuevas estrategias de registro de potenciales evocados auditivos utilizando estimulación monoaural aleatorizada en intensidad y estimulación binaural>>
Supervisors: Isaac M. Álvarez, Joaquín T. Valderrama
Department: Programa de Doctorado en Medicina y Salud Pública, University of Granada
Date of the Award: 12/12/2022
Grade: Cum Laude
Sponsorship: [Sponsor 1] B-TIC-382-UGR20, Andalusian Operative Program FEDER 2014-2020. [Sponsor 2] PID2020-119073GB-I00, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Government of Spain
PhD thesis: Download
Science dissemination
- [November 2025] Science outreach event – Live auditory evoked potential recording
Title: Adquisición de biopotenciales: ¿Cómo estás corazón? (biopotenciales cardíacos) – Podemos ver lo que oyes (potenciales evocados auditivos) //
Acquisition of biopotentials: How are you, heart? (cardiac biopotentials) – we can see what you hear (auditory evoked potentials)
Program: Semana de la Ciencia 2025 // 2025 Science Week
Performers: Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz, Buğçe Özer
Target audience: Secondary education students
Where: School of Technology and Telecommunications Engineering (https://etsiit.ugr.es/), University of Granada, Spain
More info: photo, slides, link - [September 2025] Science outreach event – Live auditory evoked potential recording
Title: Adquisición de biopotenciales: ¿Cómo estás corazón? (biopotenciales cardíacos) – Podemos ver lo que oyes (potenciales evocados auditivos) //
Acquisition of biopotentials: How are you, heart? (cardiac biopotentials) – we can see what you hear (auditory evoked potentials)
Program: La noche europea de los investigadores 2025 // 2025 European Researchers’ Night
Performers: Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz, Juan Antonio Torres Lara
Target audience: Activity for educational centers
Where: Paseo del Salón, Granada city center
More info: photo, slides, link - [July 2025] Science outreach event – Live auditory evoked potential recording
Title: Mi cuerpo eléctrico: Taller de biopotenciales cardiacos y potenciales evocados auditivos // My electric body: Workshop on cardiac biopotentials and auditory evoked potentials
Program: Verano con Ciencia 2025 // Summer with Science 2025
Performers: Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz, Juan Antonio Torres Lara
Target audience: Primary education students
Where: Science Park, Andalusia, Granada
More info: photo, slides, detailed workshop description, press release 1, press_release_2, activity program - [June 2025] Science outreach event – Live auditory evoked potential recording
Title: Mi cuerpo eléctrico: Taller de biopotenciales cardiacos y potenciales evocados auditivos // My electric body: Workshop on cardiac biopotentials and auditory evoked potentials
Program: Workshop in a Science Park
Performers: María Raya, Andrea Sanz, Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz
Target audience: Secondary education students
Where: Science Park, Andalusia, Granada
More info: photo, slides - [May 2025] Science outreach event – Live auditory evoked potential recording
Title: Taller sobre biopotenciales cardíacos y potenciales evocados auditivos // Workshop on cardiac biopotentials and on auditory evoked potentials
Program: Workshop for future engineers
Performers: Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz
Target audience: Engineering students
Where: School of Technology and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Granada, Spain
More info: photo, slides - [April 2025] Science outreach event – Live auditory evoked potential recording
Title: ¿Cómo estás, corazón? Taller de biopotenciales cardiacos // How are you, my heart? Workshop on cardiac biopotentials
Program: Feria de las Ingenierías // Engineering Fair
Performers: María Raya, Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz
Target audience: Secondary and High School students
Where: School of Technology and Telecommunications Engineering (https://etsiit.ugr.es/), University of Granada, Spain
More info: photo, slides, link - [January 2023 – May 2023]: Project oriented to educate high school students on research methods
Title: Investigando la percepción binaural // Investigating binaural hearing
Program: Project for initiating Andalusian secondary students on research methods and innovation (PIIISA)
Participants: Ángel de la Torre Vega, Isaac Manuel Álvarez Ruiz, Joaquín Tomás Valderrama Valenzuela, José Carlos Segura Luna + 37 students from 4 high schools + 1 teacher per school
Target audience: Secondary education students
Where: School of Technology and Telecommunications Engineering (https://etsiit.ugr.es/), University of Granada, Spain
More info: poster, oral presentation, project summary, audio examples and additional material related to binaural perception