Noise Reduction in Single Fiber Auditory Neural Responses Based on Pattern Matching Algorithm

When recording single-unit responses from neural systems, a common problem is the accurate detection of spikes (action potentials) in the presence of competing unwanted (noise) signals. While some sources of noise can be readily dealt with through filtering or 'template subtraction' techniques, other sources present a more difficult problem. In particular, noise components introduced by power supplies, which contain harmonics of the power-line frequency, can be particularly troublesome in that they can mimic the shape of the desired spikes. Thus, standard 'template subtraction' techniques or notch-filtering approaches are not appropriate. In this study, we propose the use of a novel template-subtraction scheme that involves estimating the power-line noise waveform and using cross-correlation techniques to subtract them from the recordings. This technique requires two key steps: (1) cross-correlation analysis of each recorded waveform extracts a robust representation of the power-line noise waveform and (2) a second level of cross-correlation to successfully subtract that representation from each recorded waveform. This paper describes this algorithm and provides examples of its implementation using actual recorded waveforms that are contaminated with these noise signals. An improvement (reduction) in the noise level is reported, as are suggestions for future implementation of this strategy.