Auscultatory Training System and Telemedicine Tool with Accurate Reproduction of Physiological Sounds

This CDC developed auscultatory training apparatus includes a database of prerecorded physiological sounds (e.g., lung, bowel, or heart sounds) stored on a computer for playback. Current teaching tools, which utilize previously recorded sounds, suffer from the disadvantage that playback environments cause considerable distortion and errors in sound reproduction. For example, to those trainees using such systems, the reproduced respiratory sounds do not “sound” as if they are being generated by a live patient. Moreover, the aforementioned playback distortions often make it difficult for the listener to hear and interpret the subtleties of a recorded respiratory maneuver.

This device includes a software program that allows a user to select prerecorded sounds for playback. The program will also generate an inverse model of the playback system in the form of a digital filter. The inverse model processes a selected sound to cancel the distortions of the playback system so the sound is accurately reproduced. The program also permits the extraction of a specific sound component from a prerecorded sound so only the extracted sound component is audible during playback. In addition to the obvious role of a teaching tool for medical professionals, this invention could have applications as a diagnostic screening and/or telemedicine tool.