MRes Bioengineering research project (new)
Title of the project:
Machine learning for decoding speech processing in the brain from otoacoustic emissions
Supervisor 1: Tobias Reichenbach
Department: Bioengineering
Imperial College campus: South Kensington
email: reichenbach@imperial.ac.uk
Supervisor 2: (if applicable)
Department:
Imperial College campus:
email:
Project Description: (up to 200 words)
It is well known that neural activity can be recorded through, for instance, Electroencephalography
(EEG), MRI Scans, and CT Scans. However, brain responses to auditory signals can also be recorded
by measuring tones from the ear.
The inner ear has indeed an active process to enhance faint sound. This activity in the inner ear also
produces tones itself, so-called otoacoustic emissions, that can be measured with a sensitive
microphone in the ear canal. Otoacoustic emissions hence inform on the inner ear's activity.
Importantly, the brain can regulate the activity inside the inner ear. The regulation involves special
nerve fibers from the brain to inner ear's mechanosensitive hair cells. This regulation may be
particularly important for the perception of complex signals such as speech.
We will develop a novel readout of the brain's regulation of activity inside the inner ear in response
to speech. The readout will be based on measuring otoacoustic emissions in response to different
complex acoustical signals. We will employ techniques from machine learning for determining how
these emissions inform on speech processing in the brain. The results will have importance for
diagnosing hearing impairment, for inspiring future speech-recognition technology and for creating
novel brain-computer interfaces.
This project will suit a student who has a strong interest in mathematical analysis and signal
processing.
Key techniques: (please include only the names of techniques, not a description)
machine learning, spectral signal analysis, advanced statistical methods, recording of otoacoustic
emissions
References: (up to 3 references related to the project)
1. J. O. Pickles (1996) An Introduction to the Physiology of Hearing. Academic Press Inc., San Diego,
fifth edition.
2. C. Meric, L. Collet (1994) Attention and otoacoustic emissions: A review, Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev.
18: 215-222