Signal processing in audiology

Speech-AEPs

Logo of Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Agencia Estatal de Innovación

Title: Towards speech-elicited auditory evoked potentials
Achronym: 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: 2021/07/01 - 2024/06/30
Participants: University of Granada
PIs: 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)

Journal Articles

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] [Supplementary Material (includes Matlab/Octave code)] [PDF]
Logo of Journal of Acustic Society of America Graphs of Multi-response deconvolution of auditory evoked potentials
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]
Logo of Frontiers Neuroscience Journal Series Graph of response gain of the different parts of the ear
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).
[DOI] [PDF]
Logo of International Journal of Audiology Graph of auditory brainstem responses obtained with randomised stimulation level
Subspace-constrained deconvolution of auditory evoked potentials
de la Torre A, Valderrama JT, Segura JC, Alvarez IM.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2022) 151, 3745-3757.
[DOI] [PDF]
Logo of Journal of Acustic Society of America Graph of execution time depending on response length using subspace-constrained deconvolution

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: 2024-11-12
    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: 2024-11-13
    Status: Withdrawn
    Contact: [Principal Investigator] Prof Ángel de la Torre Vega (atv@ugr.es). [University of Granada] Knowledge Transfer Office (otri@ugr.es).
    Download & links: [Patent link to google]
  • 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)
    [Conference summary] [Presentation] [Abstract] [Slides description]
    Logo of 76th National Conference of SEORL-CCC Graph of phonemes sequency and frequency
    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)
    [Conference summary] [Presentation] [Abstract] [Slides description]
    Logo of 76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello Graph of Stimulation Level and Amplitude over time
    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)
    [Conference summary] [Presentation] [Abstract] [Slides description]
    Logo of 76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello Graph of Amplitude over Time of noise perception in specific frequencies
    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)
    [Conference summary] [Poster] [Abstract] [Poster description]
    Logo of 76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello Diagram of hardware connections and graph of evoked potentials taken with it
    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)
    [Book of abstracts] [Conference summary] [Abstract] [Presentation] [Slides description]
    Logo of International Workshop on Sound Signal Processing Applications Image of the electronics of the project
    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]
    Logo of XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Colorado Graph of amplitude over latency comparison between clean, white noise and wn stop band
    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)
    [Poster] [Abstract] [Poster description]
    Logo of XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Colorado Image of the electronics of the project
    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)
    [Poster] [Abstract] [Poster description]
    Logo of XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Colorado Graph of amplitude over latency of early and late transient responses to speech using synthetic speech
    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)
    [Poster] [Abstract] [Poster description]
    Logo of XXIX International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Colorado Graph of amplitude over latency showing the response of the user to clicks and bursts
    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]
    Logo of XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Cologne Graph of amplitude over latency using Simultaneous deconvolution of multiple auditory evoked potentials in a reduced representation space
    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]
    Logo of XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Cologne Image of deconvolution for flexible recording of transient evoked potentials
    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]
    Logo of XIX National Congress of Audiology of the Spanish Association of Audiology Madrid Image of brain and active regions when hearing
    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]
    Logo of 2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca Graph of amplitude over latency of original AEPs vs processed AEPs
    New avenues for recording auditory evoked potentials
    Valderrama JT.
    2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca, Spain (May 25-27, 2023)
    [Abstract] [Presentation]
    Logo of 2023 International Workshop on Advances in Audiology, Salamanca Image of nerves responding to auditory stimuli
    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)
    [Abstract] [Presentation]
    Logo of 76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello Graph of amplitude over time showing response of windowed tone and ITD changes with binaural and diotic stimuli
    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)
    [Abstract] [Presentation]
    Logo of 76 Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello Graphs comparing conventional stimulation level (CONV) and randomized stimulation level (RLS)
    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)
    [Abstract] [Presentation]
    Logo of XXVII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Graphs of amplitude over time comparing response to ITD changes and response to individual bursts
    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)
    [Abstract] [Presentation]
    Logo of XXVII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Graph of level DB over time of conventional vs randomized stimuli
    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)
    [Abstract] [Presentation]
    Logo of XXVIII International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Graph of the recording of brainstem and cortical evoked responses from the fine structure of natural speech

    Students Supervisions

    • 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
      Supervisors: Isaac M. Álvarez, Joaquín T. Valderrama
      Department: Programa de Doctorado en Medicina y Salud Pública, University of Granada
      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
      Date of the Award: 2022-12-12
      Grade: Cum Laude
      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, University of Granada, Spain
      More info: [link] [slides] [photo]
    • [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: [link] [slides] [photo]
    • [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: [activity program] [detailed workshop description] [slides] [photo] [press release 1] [press release 2]
    • [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: [slides] [photo]
    • [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 recording of cardiac biopotentials
      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, University of Granada, Spain
      More info: [link] [photo] [slides]
    • [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)
      Performers: 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, University of Granada, Spain
      More info: [audio examples and additional material related to binaural perception] [poster] [oral presentation]