Comparative Study on Crosstalk Cancellation in Bone Conduction: Human Subjects vs. Dummy Skull Model with Embedded Accelerometers

Abstract

In bone conduction (BC) hearing, especially with implants, the phenomenon of sound crosstalk窶背here sound from one ear reaches the opposite ear窶廃resents a significant challenge, affecting auditory localization. Direct access to the cochlea for implementing crosstalk cancellation methods is not feasible in humans. Our study explores an indirect approach: canceling vibrations behind the ear as a potential means to mitigate crosstalk. For this purpose, we utilized a dummy skull model, embedding a 3-axis accelerometer at the cochlear position to objectively quantify vibration cancellation. For human subjects, where such direct measurement is not possible, we assessed crosstalk through subjective hearing threshold tests. Our findings indicate that reducing vibrations behind the pinna could lessen crosstalk experienced at the cochlea. By comparing mechanical vibration cancellation in the dummy model with subjective perceptions in humans, we aim to bridge the gap between vibration control and its perceptual effects, potentially enhancing BC device functionality.