Automated classification of swallowing and breadth sounds
Mohammad Aboofazeli1, Zahra Moussavi
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. mohammad@ee.umanitoba.ca
Summary
This study developed an automated neural network algorithm to distinguish swallowing sounds from breathing sounds. The method accurately identifies 91.7% of swallows, aiding in dysphagia diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustics
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) diagnosis can benefit from acoustical analysis.
- Automated methods are needed to differentiate swallowing sounds from respiratory sounds in tracheal recordings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an automated, objective algorithm for separating swallowing sounds from breath sounds.
- To utilize neural networks for analyzing tracheal sounds for swallowing detection.
Main Methods:
- A multilayer feed forward neural network was employed.
- Key input features included signal root-mean-square, average power (150-450 Hz), and waveform fractal dimension.
- Temporal and durational patterns of swallowing and respiration informed the algorithm.
Main Results:
- The algorithm correctly detected 91.7% of swallows in healthy subjects.
- Missed swallows averaged 8.3%, and false detections averaged 9.5%.
- Validation involved manual inspection, airflow measurement, and spectrogram analysis.
Conclusions:
- The proposed neural network method shows high accuracy in detecting swallowing sounds.
- Further refinement could enable automated swallowing sound extraction for clinical applications in healthy and dysphagic individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Auscultation is a crucial component of the physical assessment of the respiratory tract. It offers valuable insights into airflow through the bronchial tree and potential lung obstructions. This process involves careful listening to breath, voice, and adventitious sounds, which can reveal a wealth of information about a patient's respiratory health.
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
Deglutition
Swallowing, otherwise known as deglutition, facilitates the transport of food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a multifaceted process that involves both the tongue and the muscles of the throat and esophagus. Saliva and mucus aid in this process, which takes approximately 4 to 8 seconds for semi-solid or solid food and around 1 second for liquids or very soft food.
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Heart Sounds
Heart sounds are generated by the turbulence in blood flow due to the closing of heart valves. These sounds are best perceived slightly away from the valves, where the blood flow disseminates the sound.
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V) valves at the...
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V) valves at the...

