Current methods used for computerized respiratory sound analysis

Abstract

The study of respiratory sounds by computer has a considerable his- tory, which spans a time of rapidly evolving technology and changing perceptions of analogue and digital signal processing. Much of the knowledge gained in recent years has resulted from the use of a wide variety of data acquisition, processing and analy- sis techniques. Details of the techniques used in published research emanating from European and other world wide centres over the past 10 yrs are surveyed in this paper. The survey reveals the range of clinical conditions studied, the type of analysis equipment used and the extent to which the engineering parameters of the various equipment used were similar and/or different. It is clear that, in addition to the well- established analysis of adventitious sounds, there is increasing interest in the analysis of breath sounds as a measure of regional physiology. In addition, over 60% of pub- lished studies over the 10 yrs involve upper airway sounds. Although marked similar- ities in the basic methodology were found, there was considerable variation in the way that sound was processed and analysed. It is concluded that there is a need for the development of guidelines for the recording, processing and analysis of respiratory sounds in order to facilitate the easy exchange of data and to enable a meaningful comparison of results between research centres. Eur Respir Rev 2000: 10: 77, 586-590.