2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM | Recording distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) using the adaptive noise cancelling algorithm | City Terrace 6
Recording distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) using the adaptive noise cancelling algorithm
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are low-level sounds of cochlear origin, which can be recorded by a sensitive microphone fitted into the ear canal. Preferably, OAE measurements are conducted in quiet environments like acoustically treated sound cabins. However, measurements are difficult in environments with higher ambient noise levels, as even a well-fitting probe cannot prevent external noise from entering the ear canal and masking the low-level OAE response.
To compensate for this, we have developed an ear probe that has an additional microphone to pick up noise outside the ear canal. An adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm filters out external noise and subtracts it from the internal signal, resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and a shorter test time.
DPOAEs were recorded in 26 ears of adults with normal hearing. The tests were performed with the ANC turned off and on under three different conditions: quiet room; cafeteria and Fastl noise between 50 and 70 dBA. DP-grams were recorded for the f2-frequency between 1 and 6 kHz at stimulus level L2=55 dB SPL. If SNR>9dB was not reached after the maximum averaging time, the data point was considered a "refer", otherwise a "pass".
Applying the ANC reduced testing time by up to a quarter, i.e., the median time benefit was up to 35 sec. For Fastl noise presented at 70 dBA, over 70% of initial overall "refer" changed to "pass" after applying the ANC. The highest rate of "refer" to "pass" change, and the greatest decrease of testing time, occurred for f2 = 1, 1.5, and 2 kHz with the ANC turned on.
The ANC algorithm decreased the impact of environmental noise without influencing the DPOAE response. The benefits include reduced number of false positives, shorter testing time, and a possibility of performing the DPOAE screening in adverse environmental conditions.
- The participant will be able to describe the benefits of OAE noise cancelling.
- The participant will be able to explain the challenges when measuring OAEs.
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Presentation:
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Handouts:
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Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Jacek Smurzynski
(Primary Presenter,Author,Co-Author), East Tennessee State University , jacek.smurzynski@gmail.com;
Dr. Jacek Smurzynski holds his PhD in auditory perception from the Wroclaw University of Technology. Throughout his career, he has been conducting research in hearing sciences for over 45 years and in audiology for over 35 years. In the early 1990s, he was a key member of the steering committee, chaired by Dr. Antonia Brancia Maxon, charged with initiating a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Connecticut. He has published several papers on otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing of pre- and full-term babies, infants, and young children. Dr. Smurzynski has presented his OAE research at various conferences across six continents. For over 20 years, he also taught several courses for the Doctor of Audiology Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). In addition, he has served as the Program Coordinator for over 10 years. His current status is Professor Emeritus at ETSU.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Andre Lodwig
(Co-Author), PATH MEDICAL GmbH, lodwig@pathme.de;
Dr. Andre Lodwig holds a PhD in electrical engineering and has been working in the field of research and development of audiometric devices and methods for 27 years.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment,Management position from PATH medical GmbH.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Professional
(Shareholder, Employee)
relationship for Board membership.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Thomas Rosner
(Author), PATH MEDICAL GmbH, rosner@pathme.de;
Dr. Thomas Rosner holds a PhD in electrical engineering and has been working in the field of research and development of audiometric devices and methods for 18 years.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.