Comparison of time-frequency methods for analyzing stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions

Area of Science:

• Auditory Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) exhibit complex time-varying behavior, including internal reflections.
• Accurate characterization of SFOAEs is crucial for understanding their generation mechanisms.
• Existing time-frequency analysis techniques for SFOAEs lack comprehensive performance evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of linear and nonlinear time-frequency methods for SFOAE analysis.
• To assess the accuracy of phase-gradient delay estimation and spectral component extraction for each method.
• To provide insights into the relative merits and limitations of different time-frequency approaches for SFOAE applications.

Main Methods:

• In silico experiments were conducted to evaluate five time-frequency methods: short-time Fourier transform (STFT), continuous wavelet transform (CWT), Stockwell transform (ST), empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and synchrosqueezed wavelet transform (SSWT).
• Performance was assessed based on phase-gradient delay estimation accuracy, frequency specificity, and the ability to extract spectral components.
• A comparative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each method was performed.

Main Results:

• The study systematically compared the performance of STFT, CWT, ST, EMD, and SSWT in analyzing SFOAEs.
• Evaluations focused on phase-gradient delay estimation, frequency specificity, and spectral component extraction capabilities.
• The relative advantages and disadvantages of each time-frequency method for SFOAE analysis were identified.

Conclusions:

• This research offers a comparative analysis of various time-frequency methods for SFOAE analysis.
• The findings are valuable for researchers seeking to accurately characterize SFOAEs and enhance understanding of their generation.
• The study guides the selection of appropriate time-frequency techniques for otoacoustic emission applications.