An Analysis of a Possibility to Use Vibroacoustic Methods for the Diagnosis of the Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

This work deals with the problems that are related to the possibility to use vibroacoustic tools, which are normally used for the assessment of machinery and construction developments, for preclinical diagnosing of patients suffering from sleep breathing disorder. The actual diagnostic procedure applied before the surgery treatment for discovering the snoring cause is presented. The authors describe a concept of a tool in the form of an Internet application, as well as assumptions for a scientific experiment, which aims at establishing a database of representative acoustic signals collected from patients diagnosed by means of computed tomography. This paper is focused on problems related to the main activities leading to the development of the efficient algorithm of assessing patient’s condition: experimental recording of sound signals and the necessity of comparison with knowledge of the experienced medical practitioner. Signal recording procedure is described and sample signals are presented. Results obtained justify the need for further research.