Auditory Brainstem Response Analysis for Neurodevelopmental Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ABR tests primarily focus on hearing acuity and do not effectively detect neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in neonates, lacking the ability to quantify differences in brainstem response patterns that indicate neurodevelopmental disorders.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recording auditory brainstem electrical signal data to determine temporal latencies and micropeak properties, comparing these against predetermined values from control populations to diagnose neurodevelopmental conditions by analyzing the distribution of latencies and micropeak characteristics using probability density functions and machine learning techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ABR tests are used to measure hearing acuity, then hearing threshold estimation is improved, but the ability to detect neurodevelopmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by extending the ABR test beyond its traditional hearing assessment purpose to also detect neurodevelopmental conditions. The system analyzes multiple parameters including temporal latencies, interpeak latencies, and micropeak properties from the same auditory brainstem response signals to serve dual diagnostic functions without requiring separate testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analytical parameters extracted from ABR signals by introducing novel measurements such as micropeak properties, detailed temporal latency distributions, and interpeak latency variations. These parameter changes enable the system to detect subtle neural processing differences associated with neurodevelopmental disorders while maintaining traditional hearing threshold measurements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional ABR analysis focuses on vertex waves I-V, then hearing loss detection is improved, but neurodevelopmental disorder detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ABR signal analysis into multiple components: traditional vertex wave analysis (I-V) for hearing loss detection, and novel micropeak analysis for neurodevelopmental assessment. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each analysis pathway while preserving all relevant information from the original signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to ABR analysis by introducing temporal latency distributions and micropeak property analysis alongside the traditional amplitude and interpeak latency measurements. This dimensional expansion captures additional brainstem response pattern information that was previously overlooked in standard ABR protocols.
3Productivity
If ABR tests are performed with standard protocols, then hearing screening efficiency is improved, but diagnostic capability for ASD deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the ABR testing system to automatically perform both hearing screening and neurodevelopmental assessment without requiring separate testing sessions. The system self-optimizes by using the same recorded signals for multiple diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for additional testing time or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by continuously analyzing the ABR signal for multiple parameters simultaneously. Rather than performing discrete separate tests, the system continuously extracts hearing thresholds, temporal latencies, and micropeak properties from the ongoing auditory brainstem response recording, maximizing the diagnostic value of each testing session.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the detection and differentiation of neurodevelopmental conditions by accurately distinguishing between normal and ASD populations based on distinct brainstem response patterns, providing a diagnostic tool for early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Implementation Method 1
The ABR test measures the hearing nerve's response to sounds and is a routine test for neonates... As sounds are introduced through earphones over the child's ears, the electrodes measure how the child's auditory nerves respond to them
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining a condition of a subject includes recording auditory brain stem (ABS) electrical signal data in a subject in response to an auditory signal delivered to the subject. First data is determined, wherein the first data indicates a temporal latency for each vertex in a set of one or more vertices in the ABS electrical signal or a property of one or more micropeaks in a portion of the electrical signal away from the vertices, or some combination. Each vertex indicates a response from a different anatomical location from the cochlea to the auditory cortex of the subject. A condition of the subject is determined based on a distance of the temporal latency determined for each vertex, or the property of the micropeaks, or some combination, from a predetermined set of values for temporal latency or property of micropeaks in a population of control individuals.