Signal Processing for Cochlear Implants

26 - 27 June, 2008

Reaccreditation of this event by the British Academy of Audiology (12 CPD Points) will be sought

Outline

Cochlear implants (CI) rely on extensive and sophisticated processing of the audio signal, in order to provide optimal stimulation to the patient. Understanding the underlying principles and concepts of signal processing is essential in order to read and soundly interpret the current research literature, and the advertising for new devices and options, and thus provide the best service to our patients.

The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton is pleased to offer a course module on Signal Processing that is aimed at all groups of professionals (and students) engaged in research, development and the application of cochlear implants. This is given in conjunction between audiologists working at the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre  and engineers specializing in signal processing. This course was first presented in 2006, and based on its success was repeated in 2007.

The learning and teaching will focus on the principles and rationale for the most important signal processing methods used in cochlear implants, rather than focussing on the underpinning mathematics. The course is thus aimed at professionals and students who may not have a background in  mathematics, engineering or computing, but who wish to develop their professional training in this field. Examples and case-studies from cochlear implants will provide a immediate link between principles and practice. Hands-on activities with commercial CI simulators and in-house software will support learning, and together with ample opportunity to exchange experience with other professionals working in different aspects of this field, provide practical experience to take away from the course.

Learning outcomes

Having completed the course, you should be able to

1. discuss and explain key concepts and rationale of signal processing

2. interpret and evaluate technical and research literature, and innovations in cochlear implant technology

3. enable evidence-based choices in aided hearing

4. optimize the tuning of cochlear implants through a sound understanding of the underlying principles

Audience

We expect our audience to include audiologists, speech therapists, clinicians (including ENT specialists and surgeons), engineers, researchers, post-graduate students as well as consultants and technical sales-specialists from industry. A basic understanding of CI is expected.

Lecturers

Dr. David Simpson

Dr. Carl Verschuur

Content (provisional)

Day 1:

• Review of cochlear implants: structure, function and rationale

• Analogue-to-digital conversion

• Aliasing, quantization and pre-emphasis in cochlear implants

• Fourier transforms and the FFT

• Application of FFTs in cochlear implants

• Hands-on activities with signal processing software

• Discussion and exchange of experiences

Day 2:

• Digital filters

• Filter banks, rectification, modulation and compression in cochlear implants

• Hilbert transform

• Hands-on activities with signal processing and Cochlear^® NIC-Stream software

• Review: methods in a research paper

Cost *

• £350 – non-residential

Deadline for booking: 9 June, 2008.