Speech-AEPs

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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.

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Journal articles

• Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, McAlpine D. The hunt for hidden hearing loss in humans: From preclinical studies to effective interventions. Frontiers in Neuroscience (2022) 16, 1000304, 13p. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1000304. [Download]
• Martinez M, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, de la Torre A, Vargas JL. Auditory brainstem responses obtained with randomised stimulation level. International Journal of Audiology (2022), available online at 10.1080/14992027.2022.2047233. [Download]
• de la Torre A, Valderrama JT, Segura JC, Alvarez IM. Subspace-constrained deconvolution of auditory evoked potentials. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2022) 151, 3745-3757. doi: 10.1121/10.0011423. [Download]

Students supervision

• 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

Contributions to conferences

• de la Torre A, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, Segura, JC, Vargas JL, Palma AJ, Carvajal MA, Pousibet A. Live demonstration of a portable, affordable, and versatile auditory evoked potentials recording system mostly based on off-the-shelf electronics. Podium presentation and live demonstration at the 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]
• de la Torre A, Sanchez I, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Muller N, Vargas JL. Simultaneous deconvolution of multiple auditory evoked potentials in a reduced representation space. Podium presentation at the XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Cologne, Germany (September 15-19, 2023). [Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
• Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Vargas JL. Deconvolution for flexible recording of transient evoked potentials. Podium presentation at the XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Cologne, Germany (September 15-19, 2023). [Abstract, Presentation, Slides description, Conference summary]
• Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Alvarez IM, Segura JC, Vargas JL. En la búsqueda de nuevos biomarcadores de la pérdida de audición oculta. Podium presentation at the XIX National Congress of Audiology of the Spanish Association of Audiology (AEDA), Madrid, Spain (June 15-17, 2023). [Presentation]
• de la Torre A. EEG Demonstration: Recording evoked potentials beyond the laboratory. Podium presentation & live demonstration at the 2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca, Spain (May 25-27, 2023). [Abstract, Presentation, Demonstration]
• Valderrama JT. New avenues for recording auditory evoked potentials. Podium presentation at the 2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca, Spain (May 25-27, 2023). [Abstract, Presentation]
• Martinez M, Alvarez IM, Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Vargas JL. Clinical value of auditory evoked potentials obtained with randomised stimulation <<Valor clínico de potenciales evocados auditivos obtenidos con niveles de estimulación aleatorizados>>. Podium presentation at the 73^rd Congress of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (Oct 13-15, 2022). [Abstract, Presentation]
• Martinez M, Alvarez IM, Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Vargas JL. The transient response to inter-aural time differences <<Respuesta transitoria a las diferencias interaurales de tiempo>>. Podium presentation at the 73^rd Congress of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (Oct 13-15, 2022). [Abstract, Presentation]
• Martinez M, Alvarez IM, Valderrama JT, Vargas JL, de la Torre A. Recording auditory brainstem responses with randomized stimulation level. Podium presentation at the XXVII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, online Forum (June 14 – July 9, 2021). [Abstract, Presentation]
• Martinez M, Valderrama JT, Alvarez IM, Vargas JL, de la Torre A. The transient response to interaural time differences. Podium presentation at the XXVII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, online Forum (June 14 – July 9, 2021). [Abstract, Presentation]
• Valderrama JT, de la Torre A, Van Dun B, Segura JC. Towards the recording of brainstem and cortical evoked responses from the fine structure of natural speech. Podium presentation at the XXVI International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG) Biennial Symposium, Sydney, Australia (June 30 – July 4, 2019). [Abstract, Presentation]

Science dissemination

• Type: Project oriented to educate high school students on research methods
  Program: Project for initiating Andalusian secondary students on research methods and innovation <<Proyecto de Iniciación a la Investigación e Innovación en Secundaria en Andalucía (PIIISA)>>
  Title: 31C – Investigating binaural hearing <<31C – Investigando la percepción binaural>>
  Duration: 17/01/2023 – 17/05/2023
  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
  Associated publications: 1 póster [Download] & 1 oral presentation [Download]