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Leuven test measures speech through brain waves

UZ Leuven says it is the first hospital in the world to use a new hearing test outside a research setting on young patients.

UZ Leuven has introduced a new test that uses brain activity to measure how well patients process speech. It can be used especially to assess young children with a hearing aid or cochlear implant without requiring them to repeat words or carry out instructions themselves.

The test is called CORGEE and uses a cap fitted with sensors that record brain activity. During the examination, the child watches a film containing natural spoken language for about half an hour. The software links the measured brain signals to the speech in the film and calculates how well the brain follows that speech.

This distinguishes the method from many traditional hearing tests. Those can establish whether someone hears a tone, but do not automatically answer how well spoken language is processed. Other tests require children to point to pictures, repeat words or indicate what they hear. This is not always reliable in young children.

According to UZ Leuven, the test is mainly intended for babies, young children and people for whom active participation is difficult. Patients with language or speech difficulties or developmental problems may also be eligible. The test is not intended as a standalone diagnosis, but as additional information for audiologists and doctors.

In children with hearing loss, the measurement can help assess a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Doctors can use it to determine whether a device provides sufficient help in processing speech and whether further adjustment is needed. UZ Leuven stresses that the first years are important for the development of language and speech.

CORGEE was developed by Brainphonics, a Leuven-based company that grew out of KU Leuven’s ExpORL research group. The technology builds on research into so-called neural speech tracking: following the relationship between spoken language and brain activity. KU Leuven describes the project as objective and automated hearing diagnostics for people who are difficult to test behaviourally.

UZ Leuven says it is the first hospital in the world to use CORGEE on patients outside a research setting. This is the hospital’s claim, which has been repeated by Medi-Sfeer and ROBtv. Children do not need to answer actively during the test. It is not yet clear whether the test produces better treatment outcomes than existing methods.

The development is therefore primarily about clinical application, not a proven new treatment. The measurement may give doctors additional information, but decisions about devices and support remain part of a broader assessment of a child’s hearing and development.

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