Towards a Simplified Audio Setup of a BCI-based Language Training Paradigm: a Behavioral Study

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2022-07-04

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en

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Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems use brain signals to create a communication link between the brain and an external device. Auditory BCIs detect focused attention on acoustic stimuli based on event-related potentials (ERPs) in signals from electroencephalography. A recent study by Musso et al. (2022) investigated the use of an auditory BCI for aphasia rehabilitation in stroke patients. Musso et al. propose a new BCI-based language training paradigm that reinforces effective language processing strategies through brain-state-dependent feedback. The paradigm uses a ring of six loudspeakers for the spatial presentation of stimuli which has been shown to improve classification accuracy in auditory BCI paradigms. However, this setup is not feasible for everyday BCI usage. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the possibility of a simplified audio setup using stereo headphones. The proposed setup will be evaluated by conducting a behavioral study and assessing the workload and ergonomic ratings. Eight healthy participants were tested in a within-subject design using four audio conditions: six loudspeakers, stereo headphones, stereo headphones incorporating pitch and mono headphones. Results show the two stereo headphone conditions are comparable to the six loudspeaker condition in terms of counting accuracy, workload ratings and ergonomic ratings. This indicates that a spatial headphone paradigm might be a promising compromise between the goal of high classification accuracy and easy applicability for everyday BCI use.

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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen