Research and Product Development in Auditory System Testing, Rehabilitation, and Cognitive Engineering

Key research and transformation achievements include:Accurate localization of complex auditory disorders, with multiple research projects successfully translated into industrial applications.

Research Direction 1

Addressing the global technical gap in the central mechanisms and rehabilitation theories of tinnitus treatment, she originally proposed and named three novel central mechanism theories for personalized, precise, and quantitative tinnitus sound therapy based on natural music backgrounds: "notch masking", "compensation masking", and "superposition masking". She solved the international challenge of ineffective treatment for high-frequency tinnitus.

She developed the world’s first portable product integrating tinnitus detection and precise rehabilitation therapy, realizing precise detection + targeted rehabilitation + music therapy for tinnitus with hearing protection functions. The innovative technology of the product won the Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (2022) and the National Invention Gold Medal (2020, 2024).

She also developed tinnitus information analysis and management software for building a large tinnitus database. Based on artificial intelligence, she constructed the world’s first intelligent tinnitus assessment, diagnosis, and treatment system based on music backgrounds.

The innovative technology was approved for the 14th Five-Year Plan National Key R&D Program (Key Special Project on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Equipment and Biomedical Materials), obtained two Class II Medical Device Registration Certificates and Production Licenses of the People’s Republic of China, and was recognized as a Jiangsu Provincial Class II Innovative Medical Device (Su Yao Jian Chuang Tong [2023] No. 0018). The Chinese Institute of Electronics appraised the innovative technology as "reaching the international leading level".

Research Direction 2

Targeting the theoretical mechanisms and key difficulties in objective and quantitative detection of auditory sensitivity (intensity and frequency sensitivity), she first revealed cochlear intensity sensitivity and frequency specificity under different stimulation modes based on stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAE). She not only promoted the first clinical application of SFOAE but also pioneered the theoretical technology for objective and quantitative detection of auditory sensitivity based on combined dual-source OAE (SFOAE and DPOAE).

She developed the world’s first "otoacoustic emission detector" for objective and quantitative prediction of hearing thresholds using artificial intelligence. The innovative technology has applied for PCT international patents, obtained approval as a Class II Innovative Medical Device (Su Yao Jian Chuang Tong [2024] No. 0024), and filed two US patents.

It has passed national medical device safety and electromagnetic compatibility tests, and completed registration clinical trials at Chinese PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), Beijing Friendship Hospital, and Shandong ENT Hospital, achieving significant economic and social benefits. It won the Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (2019) and multiple national and provincial/municipal invention awards. To date, 13 invention patents (granted and applied)、3 software copyrights have been obtained based on this innovative technology, with 38 high-level papers published in SCI and EI indexed journals.

Research Direction 3

She took the lead in conducting innovative theoretical research on auditory rehabilitation and reconstruction for moderate to severe hearing-impaired patients. To improve the hearing aid effect and speech recognition rate of hearing aid users, she pioneered the theory of rapid detection of dual edges of cochlear "dead regions" and precise frequency shifting technology globally. She also developed theoretical technologies for adaptive wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) under different environmental noises and precise hearing aid fitting suitable for "tonal languages", and developed hearing aids with dual-end frequency shifting and WDRC functions for dead regions.

To enhance the speech recognition rate of severe to profound deaf cochlear implant users for tonal languages, she took the lead in researching cochlear implant programming platforms and speech coding strategies suitable for Chinese intonation. She first proposed the optimal parameter selection method for real-time delayed beamforming and the adaptive dual-channel power spectrum difference method, becoming a pioneer in microphone array noise reduction technology. She broke through the international technical bottleneck of low-frequency roll-off using normalized beam adjustment and multi-parameter weighted compensation algorithms.

Based on the innovative theories and technologies, she pioneered the development of the world’s first "real-ear analysis test system" and "portable high-end diagnostic audiometer" with dual-edge detection function for dead regions, winning two Gold Medals at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.

Representative Publications

[1]Runyi Xu, Qin Gong (C). Deep learning models for predicting hearing thresholds based on joint stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions. Hearing Research, 2025(109349).

[2] Min Zhu, Qin Gong (C). Alterations in brain activity and functional connectivity originating residual inhibition of tinnitus induced by tailor-made notched music training. Hearing Research, 2024.

[3] Min Zhu, Qin Gong (C). EEG spectral and microstate analysis originating residual inhibition of tinnitus induced by tailor-made notched music training. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2024, 18: 1-23. SCI: 001208479900001.

[4] Yin Liu, Qin Gong (C). Deep Learning Models for Predicting Hearing Thresholds Based on Swept-Tone Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions. Ear and Hearing, 2023, 45(2): 465-475.

[5] Runyi Xu, Yin Liu, Qin Gong (C). A fast algorithm for the measurement of stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emission suppression tuning curves based on multi-level swept suppressor tones. Applied Acoustics, 2023, 211: 1-16.

[6] Qin Gong (C), Yin Liu, Runyi Xu, Dong Liang, Zewen Peng, Honghao Yang. Objective assessment system for hearing prediction based on stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions. Trends in Hearing, 2021, 25: 1-19.

[7] Xiaochen Zhang, Qin Gong (C). Context-dependent Plasticity and Strength of Subcortical Encoding of Musical Sounds Independently Underlie Pitch Discrimination for Music Melodies. Neuroscience, 472(2021): 68–89.

[8] Qin Gong (C), Yin Liu, Zewen Peng. Estimating hearing thresholds from stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions. Trends in Hearing, 2020, 24: 1-15. SCI: 000574591100001.

[9] Xing D, Gong Q (C). A fast algorithm for the measurement of stimulus frequency otoacoustic emission suppression tuning curves [J]. Applied Acoustics, 2018, 129: 173-180. SCI: 000413060300018.

[10] Zhang X, Gong Q (C). Correlation between the frequency difference limen and an index based on principal component analysis of the frequency-following response of normal hearing listeners [J]. Hearing Research, 2017, 344: 255-264. SCI: 000393633600023.

Representative Achievements

[1]"Comprehensive Tinnitus Diagnosis and Treatment Instrument" (Model: QEHS-TI03)Obtained Jiangsu Provincial Innovative Medical Device Approval Certificate (Certificate No.: Su Yao Jian Chuang Tong [2023] No. 0018)Issued by: Jiangsu Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2023.08.01

[2]"Otoacoustic Emission Detector" (Models: QEHS-OAE03, QEHS-OAE04)Obtained Jiangsu Provincial Innovative Medical Device Approval Certificate (Certificate No.: Su Yao Jian Chuang Tong [2024] No. 0024)Issued by: Jiangsu Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2024.05.14

[3]"Real-Ear Measurement Instrument" (Model: QEHS-REM03)Obtained Jiangsu Provincial Innovative Medical Device Approval Certificate (Certificate No.: Su Yao Jian Chuang Tong [2025] No. 0014)Issued by: Jiangsu Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2025.04.22

[4]"Comprehensive Otoacoustic Emission Detector" (Model: EQC-OAE01)Obtained Zhejiang Provincial Innovative Medical Device Approval Certificate (Certificate No.: Zhe Yao Jian Chuang Tong [2024] No. 019)Issued by: Zhejiang Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2024.09.03

[5]"Otoacoustic Emission Detector" (Models: QEHS-OAE01, QEHS-OAE02)Obtained Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate of the People’s Republic of China (Registration No.: Su Xie Zhu Zhun 20252070660)Issued by: Jiangsu Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2025.04.21

[6]"Tinnitus Rehabilitation Treatment Instrument"Obtained Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate of the People’s Republic of China (Registration No.: Su Xie Zhu Zhun 20222191488)Issued by: Jiangsu Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2022.07.15

[7]"Tinnitus Detection and Treatment Instrument"Obtained Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate of the People’s Republic of China (Registration No.: Zhe Xie Zhu Zhun 20232191080)Issued by: Zhejiang Provincial Drug AdministrationDate: 2023.02.24

Academic Honors and Awards

[1]Qin Gong. First-Class Award of Technological Innovation Award - Innovative Person, China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Promotion Association. Focus: Auditory Testing, Rehabilitation and Cognition. Date: 2025.03.

[2]Qin Gong, Fan Jun, Wang He, Fan Yibo, Zhang Man, Ma Tao, Tan Boying. First-Class Award of Invention and Entrepreneurship Award (Project Category), 2024. Project: Tinnitus Diagnosis, Treatment and Evaluation Platform Integrating Precise Detection and Personalized Intelligent Music Therapy. Date: 2024.12.

[3]Qin Gong. WIPO Best Female Inventor Award (the only winner in China in 2024), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Project: Tinnitus Diagnosis, Treatment and Evaluation Platform Integrating Precise Detection and Personalized Intelligent Music Therapy. Date: 2024.05.

[4]Qin Gong, Fan Jun, Wang He, Fan Yibo, Zhang Man, Ma Tao, Tan Boying. Gold Medal, 27th National Invention Exhibition - "Belt and Road" & BRICS Skills Development and Technological Innovation Competition. Project: Tinnitus Diagnosis, Treatment and Evaluation Platform Integrating Precise Detection and Personalized Intelligent Music Therapy. Date: 2024.05.

[5]Qin Gong, Zhang Yuxiang, Wang He, Fan Jun. Gold Medal, 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, 2023. Project: Personalized Real Ear Measurement System. Date: 2023.04.28.

[6]Qin Gong, Wang He, Fan Jun, Liu Jiwu, Zhang Yuxiang. Gold Medal, 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, 2023. Project: Comprehensive Auditory Function Detection System. Date: 2023.04.28.

Courses Taught

[1]"Signals and Systems" (Host & Lecturer). Launched on Xuetang Online and EDX Platforms. Period: 2006 - Present.

[2]"Fundamentals and Experiments of Electrophysiology" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 2005 - Present.

[3]"Engineering Analysis and Processing of Biomedical Acoustics" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 2007 - Present.

[4]"Unlocking Hearing" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 2020 - Present.

[5]"Medical Statistics" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 2009 - 2011.

[6]"Analog Electronic Technology" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 1994 - 2002.

[7]"Digital Electronic Technology" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 1994 - 2002.

[8]"Electrical Technology" (Host & Lecturer). Period: 1994 - 2002.

Other Social Positions

[1]Member, National Technical Committee on Electroacoustics. Period: December 2020 - Present.

[2]Standing Committee Member, Hearing Science Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare. Period: November 2017 - Present.

[3]Standing Committee Member, Expert Steering Committee of China Hearing Medical Development Foundation. Period: June 2018 - Present.

[4]Director, China Invention Association. Period: 2017 - Present.

[5]Review Expert for National Excellent Dissertations, Degree and Graduate Education Development Center of the Ministry of Education. Period: March 2010 - Present.

[6]Review Expert, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Period: March 2014 - Present.

[7]Director, Beijing Physiological Society. Period: October 2007 - Present.

[8]Review Expert, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Period: May 2008 - Present.

[9]Review Expert, Beijing Natural Science Foundation (BNSF). Period: August 2010 - Present.

[10]Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. Period: January 2008 - Present.

[11]Reviewer, Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing. Period: January 2008 - Present.

[12]Reviewer, Hearing Research. Period: January 2008 - Present.

Patent Technologies

Invention Patents

[1]Qin Gong, Liu Jiwu. "A Fast Detection System for Dual-Edge Cochlear Dead Regions" (Patent No.: 202510419750.0). Date: 2025.04.03.

[2]Qin Gong, Fan Yibo, Fan Jun. "A Method for Predicting Cochlear Hearing Loss Based on Pure Tone-Induced SFOAE" (Patent No.: 202411201379.2). Date: 2024.08.29.

[3]Qin Gong, Liu Jiwu, Fan Yibo, Fan Jun. "An Audiometer Device with Automatic Speech Audiometry" (Patent No.: 202410594990.X). Date: 2024.05.14.

[4]Qin Gong, Liu Jiwu, Fan Yibo. "An Audiometer Device with Bilateral Dead Region Detection Function" (Patent No.: 202410474418.X). Date: 2024.04.19.

[5]Qin Gong, Xu Runyi, Fan Yibo. "Otoacoustic Emission Signal Detection Method, Device, Electronic Equipment and Storage Medium" (Patent No.: ZL202410596608.9). Date: 2024.05.14.

[6]Qin Gong, Xu Runyi, Fan Yibo. "A Personalized Calibration Method for Otoacoustic Emission Detectors Based on Forward Sound Pressure" (Patent No.: 202410294817.8). Date: 2024.03.15.

[7]Qin Gong, Zhong Luliang, Fan Jun. "A System and Method for Precise Fitting and Therapeutic Sound Generation for Multi-Complaint Tinnitus" (Patent No.: 202311520526.8). Date: 2023.11.15.

[8]Qin Gong, Zheng Yingfang, Wang He, Fan Yibo. "Equal-Loudness Energy Compensation Method and System for Therapeutic Sound Frequency for Coexisting Tinnitus and Deafness" (Patent No.: 202310921806.3). Date: 2023.07.25.

[9]Qin Gong, Huang Liling, Fan Yibo. "An Intelligent Generation System for Tinnitus Sound Therapy Schemes" (Patent No.: 202310167240.X). Date: 2023.02.27.

[10]Qin Gong, Xu Runyi, Fan Yibo. "A Source Separation Method Based on Adaptive Energy Filtering of Swept-Frequency SFOAEs" (Patent No.: 202211655021.8). Date: 2022.12.22.

[11]Qin Gong. "A Swept-Frequency Equalization Threshold Noise Test Method for Rapid Detection of Cochlear Dead Regions" (Patent No.: ZL202211343148.6). Date: 2022.10.31.

[12]Qin Gong, Zhang Yuxiang. "A Cochlear Dead Region Edge Detection Method Based on PTC" (Patent No.: ZL202211341410.3). Date: 2022.10.31.

[13]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang, Fan Yibo. "A Frequency Response Calibration Method for Playback Devices" (Patent No.: ZL202210069270.2). Date: 2022.01.21.

[14]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang, Fan Yibo. "A Tinnitus Diagnosis and Treatment System Based on WeChat Mini Program" (Patent No.: 202210069238.4). Date: 2022.01.21.

[15]Qin Gong, Xu Runyi. "A Rapid Detection Method for Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emission Suppression Tuning Curves" (Patent No.: ZL202111558063.5). Date: 2021.12.17.

[16]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang. "A Multi-Mode Tinnitus Therapeutic Sound Generation System" (Patent No.: ZL202111546196.0). Date: 2021.12.17.

[17]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang. "A Tinnitus Detection and Treatment Instrument Based on Sound Therapy" (Patent No.: ZL202111546183.3). Date: 2021.12.17.

[18]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang, Yang Honghao. "A Tinnitus Therapeutic Sound Generation Method Based on Masking and Audio Equalization" (Patent No.: ZL202111546100.0). Date: 2021.12.17.

[19]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang. "A Tinnitus Therapeutic Sound Generation Method Based on Notch and Audio Equalization" (Patent No.: ZL202111546126.5). Date: 2021.12.17.

[20]Qin Gong, Liang Dong. "A Hearing Aid Fitting System for Variable Environments" (Patent No.: ZL202111556706.2). Date: 2021.12.18.

[21]Qin Gong, Zhang Xiang. "A Perceptually Interactive Tinnitus Rehabilitation Treatment System" (Patent No.: 202111467128.5). Date: 2021.12.02.

[22]Qin Gong, Fan Yibo. "A Notch Music Generation Method for Tinnitus Treatment" (Patent No.: ZL202110596826.9). Date: 2021.05.31.

[23]Qin Gong, Yang Honghao, Fan Yibo. "A Tinnitus Detection and Sound Therapy Device" (Patent No.: ZL202110563327.X). Date: 2021.05.24.

[24]Qin Gong. "A Tinnitus Therapeutic Sound Generation Method Based on Natural Sound Masking" (Patent No.: ZL202110525632.X). Date: 2021.05.14.

[25]Qin Gong, Yang Honghao, Fan Yibo. "A Real-Ear Analysis System Based on Digital Acquisition" (Patent No.: ZL202110073496.5). Date: 2020.12.09.

[26]Qin Gong. "An Intelligent Speech Enhancement Real-Time Cochlear Implant Programming System" (Patent No.: ZL202010024316.X). Date: 2020.01.14.

[27]Qin Gong, Ding Dongxiang, Pan Changyong, Song Jian. "An Intelligent Speech-to-Text and Simultaneous Translation System Based on Microphone Array" (Patent No.: ZL202010065716.5). Date: 2020.01.20.

[28]Qin Gong, Yang Honghao, Xu Runyi, Peng Zewen, Li Xue, Meng Xiangbin, Jiang Bo. "A Microphone and Speaker Integrated System" (Patent No.: ZL202010911369.3). Date: 2020.09.02.

[29]Qin Gong. "A Real-Ear Analysis Test System Based on Machine Learning" (Patent No.: ZL202010677580.3). Date: 2020.07.14.

[30]Qin Gong. "Hearing Threshold and/or Hearing Status Detection System and Method" (International PCT Patent, Patent No.: PCT/CN2020/089962). Date: 2020.09.30.

[31]Qin Gong. "Hearing Threshold and/or Hearing Status Detection System and Method" (Patent No.: ZL201911405753.X). Date: 2019.12.31.

[32]Qin Gong. "Auditory Sensitivity Detection System Based on Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions" (International PCT Patent, Patent No.: PCT/CN2018/113601). Date: 2018.11.02.

[33]Qin Gong. "Auditory Sensitivity Detection System Based on Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions" (Patent No.: ZL201810025486.2). Date: 2018.01.11.

[34]Qin Gong, Zhang Xiaochen. "An Objective Evaluation Method for Pitch Perception Ability Based on Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials" (Patent No.: ZL201710665835.2). Date: 2017.08.07.

[35]Qin Gong, Wang Yao, Xian Meng, Li Tingting, Zhang Shuoyue. "A Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emission Tuning Curve Detection and Calibration System" (Patent No.: ZL201210333260.1). Date: 2012.09.10.

[36]Qin Gong, Li Tingting, Wang Yao, Liu Shuai, Wu Yuanquan, Xian Meng. "A Compound Neural Action Potential Tuning Curve Calibration and Detection System" (Patent No.: ZL201210374447.6). Date: 2012.09.27.

[37]Qin Gong, Xian Meng, Wang Yao, Zhang Shuoyue, Li Tingting. "A Pure Tone Audiometry and Psychophysical Tuning Curve Detection System" (Patent No.: ZL201210308105.4). Date: 2012.08.27.

[38]Qin Gong, Liu Jinglei, Liu Tuo, Chen Wenwang, Guan Tian. "A Cochlear Implant Programming Platform Based on Local Area Network" (Patent No.: ZL201210181332.5). Date: 2012.06.04.

[39]Qin Gong, Chen Wenwang, Jiang Tao, Liu Yi. "An In-Vivo System of Cochlear Implant Programming Platform" (Patent No.: ZL201310318331.5). Date: 2013.07.26.

[40]Qin Gong, Wang Yao, Sun Wensheng, Xu Qin, Li Xiaolin. "A Frequency-Following Response Signal Testing System" (Patent No.: ZL201210422599.9). Date: 2012.10.30.

[41]Qin Gong, Chen Yousheng, Guan Tian. "A Directional Speech Enhancement Preprocessing System for Cochlear Implant Front-End" (Patent No.: ZL201010117648.9). Date: 2010.03.04.

[42]Qin Gong, Du Zhiyue, Guan Tian, Ye Datian. "A Cochlear Implant External Speech Processor Based on Dual-Core Processor" (Patent No.: ZL201010224849.9). Date: 2010.07.09.

[43]Qin Gong, Zhu Renjun, Chen Xi, Hu Yanru, Sun Wensheng. "A Comprehensive Detection Platform for Hearing Indicators of Auditory System Transmission Pathway" (Patent No.: ZL200910235423.0). Date: 2009.10.23.

[44]Qin Gong, Chen Xi, Liu Jinglei, Ye Datian, Sun Wensheng. "An Auricular Point Detection System" (Patent No.: ZL200910235424.5). Date: 2009.10.23.

[45]Qin Gong, Chen Xi, Liu Jinglei, Sun Wensheng. "A Computer Implementation Method for Pseudocolor Distribution Map of Auricular Points" (Patent No.: ZL200910235475.8). Date: 2009.10.26.

[46]Qin Gong, Ye Datian, Jin Huijun, Hu Yanru. "A Portable Full-Function Otoacoustic Emission Detection System" (Patent No.: ZL200910237175.3). Date: 2009.11.01.

[47]Design Patents

[48]Qin Gong. "Real-Ear Analysis Tester" (Patent No.: ZL202430335853.5). Date: 2024.06.03.

[49]Qin Gong. "Tinnitus Rehabilitation Treatment Instrument" (Patent No.: ZL202430335849.9). Date: 2024.06.03.

[50]Qin Gong, Fan Jun. "Tinnitus Detection and Treatment Instrument" (Patent No.: ZL202430335845.0). Date: 2024.06.03.

[51]Qin Gong. "Otoacoustic Emission Detector" (Patent No.: ZL202430332048.7). Date: 2024.05.31.

[52]Qin Gong. "Qing'er Audiometer" (Patent No.: ZL202430331962.X). Date: 2024.05.31.