COMPUTER-BASED LUNG SOUND SIMULATION

An algorithm for the simulation of normal and pathological lung sounds is developed. The simulation algorithm is implemented on a personal c omputer as well as on a digital signal processor system in real time. Normal, bronchial and tracheal breathing sounds can be generated, and continuous and discontinuous adventitious lung sounds can be added. Th e attributes of the individual sound components, such as loudness, fre quency, duration or number of occurrences within one breathing cycle, are controlled by the user. The quality of the simulations is evaluate d by sending audio tapes to 15 experienced pulmonary physicians for a formal assessment. Each tape contains five simulated lung sounds and f ive real lung sounds from a commercially available teaching tape, pres ented in random order. Simulated lung sounds are slightly better rated in terms of realism and signal quality when compared to the recording s from the teaching tape. The differences are, however, not significan t. 13 out of the 15 physicians feel that computer-based lung sound sim ulators would be a useful and desirable teaching tool for auscultation courses.