User:Miturian/sandbox

Ear-EEG [photo]

EEG is a method for measuring dynamics of brain activity through the minute voltage changes observable on the skin, typically by placing electrodes on the scalp. In ear-EEG, the electrodes are exclusively placed in or around the outer ear, resulting in both a much greater invisibility and wearer mobility compared to full scalp EEG, but also significantly reduced signal amplitude, as well as reduction in the number of brain regions in which activity can be measured. Ear-EEG is a good candidate for inclusion in a hearable device, however, due to the high complexity of ear-EEG sensors, this has only been done in a few cases [ref: united sciences, munchen].

History
First papers (looney etc., patenter, måske I transactionspaperet) Ear-EEG was first described in [paper] and has since grown to be an endeavor spread across multiple research groups and collaborations, as well as private companies (ref united sciences, münchen?). Notable incarnations of the technology are the C-GRID (picture) and the custom 3d-printed earbuds from NeuroTechnology Lab (picture). Attempts at creating in-ear generic earpieces are also known to be under way (ref kidmose paper, EMBC paper).

Uses
It is possible to think of multiple research areas in which an unobtrusive and invisible EEG system would be beneficial. Good examples are in studies of group dynamics or didactics, in which cases it would be very valuable to be able to monitor the effect of various events on individuals, while still letting them experience said events unfettered. In this context, it is very important to perform detailed comparisons between ear-EEG and regular scalp EEG, as results need to be comparable across platforms. This has been done in multiple papers (frontiers, transactions, prediction?, c-grid paper?). In these it has been found that ear-EEG measurements are comparable to scalp EEG in the frequency domain, when comparing to but that

Continuing developments
C-grid, EMBC alternativer C-grid photo?

Commercial products
Kickstarter, united sciences, oticon, widex patenter