Audiometric Behavioral Response Simulator

The aim of this project is to develop an audiometric testing response simulatorSimulators are quickly becoming a critical component in the training of professionals across all fieldsThe proposed simulator is intended to be used in any environment where behavioral response audiometric testing is conductedthe foundation of most auditory assessmentsThe simulator will have the capability to connect with any audiometer and tolistento acoustic stimuli and automatically provide a detection acknowledgement to the examinerThe simulator hardware will be composed of a two channel microphone Input ModuleIMand a Stimulus Detection and Response UnitSDRUcontaining a Digital Signal ProcessorDSPused to analyze the acoustical characteristics of the sound signals presented to the simulatorThe simulator will be connected to a control Personal Computervia USB cable or Bluetooth wireless interfaceto programmed and upload different hearing configurations and psychoacoustic and age related response characteristicsPrinciples of signal detection theory will be implemented in order to provide different respondent operating profilesDuring Phase Ia prototype simulator will be constructed and the project will focus on developing and testing the simulator signal detection and receiver response characteristics softwareThese will be evaluated using benchmark testing and various automated testing algorithmsDuring Phase IIadditional expansion of the simulator capabilities will be conducted to include bone conduction testingmasking and speech audiometryDuring Phase IIthe evaluation of the simulator will also be expanded to include training performance and outcomes with audiology students The successful completion of this work will result in a training tool that will allow audiology student to quantify and improve their clinical skillsThe simulator will also standardize and broaden the exposure of students to a wide range of clinical conditions that are not typically available during trainingIn additionthe simulator will also provide an objective assessment tool to evaluate student performanceThe simulator will improve the overall learning and training experience of audiologist students which will result in improved services to patients