Tinnitus detection method and equipment based on electroencephalogram level and medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a tinnitus detection method based on an electroencephalogram level. The tinnitus detection method comprises the following steps: preselecting a preliminary frequency range of a tinnitus patient; extracting a plurality of frequency points in the initial frequency range according to a set frequency interval, and generating a plurality of narrow-band pure tone signals by taking each frequency point as a center; performing tinnitus matching on the patient by using the plurality of narrow-band pure tone signals to obtain initial tinnitus frequency and intensity; according to the hearing loss degree of the patient, a target narrow-band pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency and notch signals on the two sides of a center frequency point of the target narrow-band pure tone signal are used for conducting a sound giving test on the patient; and determining the final tinnitus frequency according to the electroencephalogram response of the patient under the sound supply test. According to the embodiment, the tinnitus detection accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tinnitus detection technology, and more particularly to a method, device, and medium for tinnitus detection based on electroencephalogram (EEG) levels. Background Technology

[0002] In the current medical field, the detection and diagnosis of tinnitus face numerous challenges. Existing tinnitus detection technologies often rely on patients' subjective descriptions, lacking objective, accurate, and quantitative testing methods. Some common methods, such as pure-tone audiometry and acoustic impedance testing, can only provide limited information about hearing thresholds and middle ear function, but are often not precise enough in determining key parameters such as tinnitus frequency, and cannot assess the degree of hearing impairment in patients. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalogram (EEG) levels to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalogram (EEG) levels, comprising:

[0005] Preliminary frequency ranges for tinnitus patients;

[0006] Based on the set frequency interval, multiple frequency points are extracted in the initial frequency range, and multiple narrowband pure tone signals are generated with each frequency point as the center.

[0007] The patient's tinnitus was matched using the multiple narrowband pure tone signals to obtain preliminary tinnitus frequency and intensity.

[0008] Based on the patient's degree of hearing loss, a sound test is performed on the patient using a target narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency, and notch signals on both sides of the center frequency of the target narrowband pure tone signal.

[0009] The final tinnitus frequency was determined based on the patient's EEG response during the sound test.

[0010] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

[0011] One or more processors;

[0012] Memory, used to store one or more programs.

[0013] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the tinnitus detection method based on EEG levels as described in any embodiment.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the tinnitus detection method based on EEG levels as described in any embodiment.

[0015] In summary, this invention provides a tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalography (EEG). Based on the auditory electrophysiology principle of EEG, it achieves accurate detection and localization of tinnitus through carefully designed stimulation signals and comprehensive EEG response analysis. Furthermore, it comprehensively considers the possible frequency range of tinnitus and individual hearing differences among patients to construct a systematic detection and analysis process. This method can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. Tinnitus detection using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals reduces reliance on patients' subjective descriptions, improves the accuracy and objectivity of the detection, provides a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis, and helps to develop more precise treatment plans;

[0017] 2. Traditional testing methods often struggle to provide comprehensive and accurate diagnoses when faced with complex tinnitus cases, especially for patients with varying degrees of hearing loss and diverse tinnitus symptoms. This embodiment, however, is adaptable to patients with different degrees of hearing loss. It adjusts the stimulation method and parameters according to their hearing condition, providing personalized stimulation methods and testing procedures to ensure the validity of the test results and cover a wider range of patients.

[0018] 3. Existing technologies lack precision in the design and application of stimulation signals, failing to target specific frequency ranges where tinnitus may occur, and paying little attention to information during silent stimulation, thus failing to provide a comprehensive understanding of the brain's response throughout the stimulation process. This embodiment, however, specifically designs stimulation time-domain signals for the initial tinnitus frequency and its adjacent frequencies, making them significantly distinguishable from other signals. It also focuses on the electroencephalographic response during silent stimulation, comprehensively capturing the brain's electrophysiological response to the entire stimulation process. This results in more complete and continuous monitoring of the brain's electrophysiological response, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms of tinnitus.

[0019] 4. This embodiment overcomes the limitations of traditional detection technologies in complex tinnitus cases and with variable symptoms, enabling more accurate localization and assessment of tinnitus characteristics. This helps to better guide the selection and optimization of tinnitus treatment plans, improve treatment effectiveness, and enhance patients' quality of life. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalogram (EEG) levels provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalogram (EEG) levels provided in an embodiment of the present invention. This method can be performed by a testing personnel, by an electronic device, or by a testing personnel operating an electronic device in conjunction with the testing; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations. Figure 1As shown, the method specifically includes:

[0027] S110, Pre-select the initial frequency range for tinnitus patients.

[0028] In this embodiment, a general frequency range for tinnitus is first pre-selected. This can be based on the patient's initial description and some preliminary hearing tests to define a general range for subsequent precise testing.

[0029] S120. According to the set frequency interval, extract multiple frequency points in the initial frequency range, and generate multiple narrowband pure tone signals with each frequency point as the center.

[0030] Optionally, for a pre-selected frequency range, multiple frequency points can be extracted at 50Hz intervals. Using each frequency point as a center, the entire frequency range is divided into multiple non-overlapping intervals, with the union of these intervals covering the entire range. Then, using each frequency point as a center, multiple narrowband pure-tone signals are generated for subsequent fine-tuning. This fine-tuning of frequencies helps to more accurately capture the frequency characteristics of tinnitus.

[0031] S130. Using the multiple narrowband pure tone signals, perform tinnitus matching on the patient to obtain preliminary tinnitus frequency and intensity.

[0032] This step involves a comprehensive tinnitus matching process for tinnitus patients, including matching parameters such as intensity and frequency, to obtain basic data that more closely reflects the patient's actual experience.

[0033] Optionally, the above-mentioned multiple narrowband pure tone signals can be played continuously for 2 to 3 seconds, allowing the patient to listen to them alternately and compare them with their own tinnitus. The sound frequency and loudness that are most similar to the patient's tinnitus can be selected, and this sound frequency can be used as the initial tinnitus frequency.

[0034] S140. Based on the patient's degree of hearing loss, a sound test is performed on the patient using a target narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency and notch signals on both sides of the center frequency of the target narrowband pure tone signal.

[0035] In one specific implementation, when detecting tinnitus in one ear, the EEG electrodes are placed as follows: a reference electrode is placed deep in the external auditory canal on the skin or attached to the tympanic membrane; a ground electrode is placed on the forehead; a test electrode is placed on the top of the skull; and a contralateral reference electrode is placed inside the ear canal. Since the sound conduction pathway in the brain includes the cochlea, auditory nerve, cochlear nucleus, olivary nucleus, medial geniculate body, hypothalamus, and auditory cortex, tinnitus may be caused by a neurological dysfunction in any of these nuclei, which is then transmitted to the brain, causing the brain to perceive external sound and produce tinnitus. Therefore, observing the EEG signal response, i.e., the P1, N1, and P2 waves, during the test can pinpoint the location of the neurological dysfunction. If the P1 wave latency of an EEG signal is around 10ms, the location of the neurological dysfunction can be traced to the cochlea, auditory nerve, or olivary nucleus; if the P1 wave latency is around 50ms, the location can be traced to the medial geniculate body or hypothalamus; and if the P1 wave latency is between 100-150ms, the location can be traced to the auditory cortex. The latency varies depending on the specific nerve nucleus.

[0036] In this embodiment, during the sound-based testing, a unique time-domain design is employed to differentiate the signal covering the tinnitus frequency and the signals from two adjacent regions from other signals. This allows for clearer observation of the brain's response to specific frequency regions.

[0037] Specifically, a frequency gap sound test, i.e., a notch filter test, is used around the tinnitus frequency. Optionally, firstly, a narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency is extracted from the plurality of narrowband pure tone signals, and the center frequency of this narrowband pure tone signal is found. For ease of distinction and description, this narrowband pure tone signal is referred to as the target narrowband pure tone signal. Then, notch filters are extracted on both sides of the center frequency point, between the target narrowband pure tone signal and the adjacent narrowband pure tone signals. Finally, the target narrowband pure tone signal and the notch filters on both sides are corrected so that the three corrected signals have no frequency intersections and have loudness differentiation higher than a set level, such as a loudness difference greater than a set threshold.

[0038] After correction, different sound delivery methods are used based on the degree of hearing loss in the tinnitus subject. Optionally, simultaneous sound delivery is used for patients with hearing loss less than the first threshold; interval-frequency sound delivery is used for patients with hearing loss between the first and second thresholds; and single-frequency sound delivery is used for patients with hearing loss greater than the second threshold. The first threshold is less than the second threshold; for example, the first threshold is set to 60 dB and the second threshold to 80 dB. This personalized sound delivery method can better adapt to the different hearing conditions of patients and improve the accuracy of the test.

[0039] S150. Determine the final tinnitus frequency based on the patient's EEG response during the sound test.

[0040] During the test, the EEG response of the tinnitus subjects was fully recorded by EEG equipment during the stimulation process, and the EEG response of each frequency was compared and analyzed in depth to further determine whether the preliminary tinnitus frequency obtained in S130 was accurate.

[0041] Optionally, if the stimulation rate is low and the interval is long at the initial tinnitus frequency, but the EEG response at that frequency is not significantly different from that at adjacent frequencies, it can be determined that the frequency is indeed the frequency at which tinnitus exists. The low stimulation rate and long interval represent a relatively significant stimulus, such as a sound signal lasting for a certain duration, then stopping for a certain duration, then giving sound for a certain duration again, and then stopping for a certain duration, and so on, repeatedly. This certain duration can be 3 seconds, providing the patient with sufficient reaction time. This process, in addition to focusing on the patient's EEG response in the sound-provided interval, also effectively utilizes the EEG response in the silent stimulation interval between the sound-provided intervals, filling the information gap in the silent stimulation period in the stimulation time domain of existing technologies.

[0042] For example, the initial frequency of tinnitus might be around 3800-4200Hz. In a notch wave test, first, a 3800-4200Hz sound is used to induce and record an EEG waveform. Then, notch signals at 3800-3950Hz and 4050-4200Hz are used to induce a neural response. If the responses are consistent, it indicates that tinnitus exists in the 3950-4050Hz range. If none are detected, the overall loudness is increased by 5dB, and the test is repeated. This method can measure both frequency and loudness.

[0043] S160. Perform auditory steady-state evoked potential testing on the patient, and determine the degree of hearing impairment based on the response of the evoked potential signal at the final tinnitus frequency.

[0044] This step utilizes the final tinnitus frequency and the patient's EEG response during auditory steady-state evoked potential testing to accurately assess the degree of the patient's hearing impairment.

[0045] In one specific implementation, the patient undergoes an ASSR test, and the peaks generated at the corresponding frequencies are analyzed and evoked potential signals are extracted. Several spectral components of the evoked potential signals are carefully identified, and harmonic sums are calculated.

[0046] Then, the response amplitude A1 of the tinnitus is precisely obtained from the response of the extracted tinnitus frequency signal. At the same time, the overall amplitude A of the auditory evoked potential signal is determined based on the harmonics of other frequencies.

[0047] Finally, using a specific calculation formula, the degree of hearing impairment in patients is determined as (total amplitude of auditory evoked potential signal - amplitude of tinnitus frequency response) / normal amplitude * 100% * (1 - (tinnitus frequency / average normal frequency)), accurately assessing the degree of hearing impairment. Here, normal amplitude refers to the reference value of the total amplitude of the auditory evoked potential signal at frequencies without tinnitus interference, and the average normal frequency is the average frequency of the SSAEP test signal from a normal ear without tinnitus interference.

[0048] In summary, this embodiment provides a tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalography (EEG). Based on the auditory electrophysiology principle of EEG, it achieves accurate detection and localization of tinnitus through carefully designed stimulation signals and comprehensive EEG response analysis. Furthermore, it comprehensively considers the possible frequency range of tinnitus and individual hearing differences among patients to construct a systematic detection and analysis process. This method can achieve the following:

[0049] Beneficial effects:

[0050] 1. Tinnitus detection using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals reduces reliance on patients' subjective descriptions, improves the accuracy and objectivity of the detection, provides a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis, and helps to develop more precise treatment plans;

[0051] 2. Traditional testing methods often struggle to provide comprehensive and accurate diagnoses when faced with complex tinnitus cases, especially for patients with varying degrees of hearing loss and diverse tinnitus symptoms. This embodiment, however, is adaptable to patients with different degrees of hearing loss. It adjusts the stimulation method and parameters according to their hearing condition, providing personalized stimulation methods and testing procedures to ensure the validity of the test results and cover a wider range of patients.

[0052] 3. Existing technologies lack precision in the design and application of stimulation signals, failing to target specific frequency ranges where tinnitus may occur, and paying little attention to information during silent stimulation, thus failing to provide a comprehensive understanding of the brain's response throughout the stimulation process. This embodiment, however, specifically designs stimulation time-domain signals for the initial tinnitus frequency and its adjacent frequencies, making them significantly distinguishable from other signals. It also focuses on the electroencephalographic response during silent stimulation, comprehensively capturing the brain's electrophysiological response to the entire stimulation process. This results in more complete and continuous monitoring of the brain's electrophysiological response, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms of tinnitus.

[0053] 4. This embodiment overcomes the limitations of traditional detection technologies in complex tinnitus cases and with variable symptoms, enabling more accurate localization and assessment of tinnitus characteristics. This helps to better guide the selection and optimization of tinnitus treatment plans, improve treatment effectiveness, and enhance patients' quality of life.

[0054] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a processor 60, a memory 61, an input device 62, and an output device 63; the number of processors 60 in the device can be one or more. Figure 2 Taking a processor 60 as an example; the processor 60, memory 61, input device 62, and output device 63 in the device can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 2 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0055] The memory 61, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs, computer-executable programs, and modules, such as the program instructions / modules corresponding to the tinnitus detection method based on EEG levels in this embodiment of the invention. The processor 60 executes various functional applications and data processing of the device by running the software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory 61, thereby realizing the aforementioned tinnitus detection method based on EEG levels.

[0056] The memory 61 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and at least one application program required for a given function; the data storage area may store data created based on terminal usage. Furthermore, the memory 61 may include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some instances, the memory 61 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 60, which can be connected to the device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0057] Input device 62 can be used to receive input digital or character information, and to generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the device. Output device 63 may include display devices such as a display screen.

[0058] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the tinnitus detection method based on EEG levels according to any embodiment.

[0059] The computer storage medium of this invention can be any combination of one or more computer-readable media. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0060] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of sending, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0061] Program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0062] Computer program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof. Programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages—such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++—as well as conventional procedural programming languages—such as C or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tinnitus detection method based on electroencephalogram (EEG) levels, characterized in that, include: Preliminary frequency ranges for tinnitus patients; Based on the set frequency interval, multiple frequency points are extracted in the initial frequency range, and multiple narrowband pure tone signals are generated with each frequency point as the center. The patient's tinnitus was matched using the multiple narrowband pure tone signals to obtain preliminary tinnitus frequency and intensity. Based on the patient's degree of hearing loss, a sound test is performed on the patient using a target narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency, and notch signals on both sides of the center frequency of the target narrowband pure tone signal. The final tinnitus frequency was determined based on the patient's EEG response during the sound test.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preliminary frequency range for the pre-selected tinnitus patients includes: Based on the patient's description and preliminary hearing tests, the initial frequency range for the tinnitus patient is determined.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of performing a sound delivery test on the patient using a target narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency, and notch signals on both sides of the center frequency of the target narrowband pure tone signal, includes: Extract the target narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency from the plurality of narrowband pure tone signals; Determine the center frequency of the target narrowband pure tone signal; On both sides of the center frequency point, the notch signal between the target narrowband pure tone signal and the adjacent narrowband pure tone signal is extracted respectively; The target narrowband pure tone signal and the notch signals on both sides are corrected so that the three corrected signals have no frequency intersection and have loudness differentiation higher than the set level.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The procedure involves performing a sound test on the patient based on the degree of hearing loss, using a target narrowband pure tone signal covering the initial tinnitus frequency, and notch signals on both sides of the center frequency of the target narrowband pure tone signal. This includes: For patients with hearing loss less than the first threshold, simultaneous sound administration is provided; For patients with hearing loss between the first and second thresholds, interval frequency sound delivery is used. For patients with hearing loss greater than the second threshold, a single frequency of sound is used. The first threshold is less than the second threshold.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the final tinnitus frequency based on the patient's EEG response during the sound test includes: If the stimulation rate of the target narrowband pure tone signal is low and the interval is long, but the patient's EEG response under the target narrowband pure tone signal is not significantly different from the EEG response under the notch signals on both sides, then the preliminary tinnitus frequency is determined as the final tinnitus frequency.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determination of the final tinnitus frequency based on the patient's EEG response during the sound test includes: If there is a significant difference between the patient's EEG response under the target narrowband pure tone signal and the EEG response under the notch signals on both sides, the overall sound intensity is increased, the same test is repeated, and the tinnitus loudness is finally determined.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After determining the final tinnitus frequency based on the patient's EEG response during the sound test, the method further includes: Auditory steady-state evoked potentials were tested on the patients, and evoked potential signals were extracted from the patients' electroencephalogram (EEG) responses. Based on the evoked potential signal, determine the final tinnitus frequency response amplitude A1 and the overall amplitude A of the evoked potential signal; The degree of hearing impairment of the patient is determined based on A1 and A.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set frequency interval is 50Hz.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; Memory, used to store one or more programs. When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the tinnitus detection method based on EEG level as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the tinnitus detection method based on EEG levels as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images